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BUILDERS’ RELIABLE ESTIMATOR 

AND 

CONTRACTORS’ GUIDE 

A COMPLETE GUIDE FOR PRICING ALL BUILDERS’ WORK 


IT CONTAINS 

Many tables, rules and useful memoranda. The rules given 
in this work, show how to measure all kinds of work, 
before and after construction. How to estimate 
the cost of any work. How to tell the time 
the work should take to complete. Tells 
how much work a man should per¬ 
form in a day and how much 
material the work in hand 
will require. 


GUIDE TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 

Is found in the second part of this work. This shows 
how all kinds of odd, crooked and difficult measure¬ 
ments may be taken, to secure correct results 


FULLY ILLUSTRATED 


By FRED T. HODGSON 

h 


Special Exclusive Edition 
Printed by 

FREDERICK J. DRAKE & CO. 

EXPRESSLY FOR 

SEARS, ROEBUCK & COMPANY 

CHICAGO, ILL. 

_ 1916 _ 
















\ 

V 

\ X 


Copyright 1915 
By 

Frederick J. Drake & Co. 


Copyright 1914 
By 

Frederick J. Drake & Co. 


Copyright 1911 
By 

Frederick J. Drake 


1 1 






.JUN 16 iy|5 


© Cl. A 4 01413 
/ 









PREFACE 


(1913 EDITION) 

It is the fate of books on estimating for builders that 
they soon become somewhat unreliable, no matter how 
exact they may have been when first published. This is 
due to various reasons,—the continual fluctuations in the 
prices of labor, changes and introduction of new mate¬ 
rials, new methods of construction and style of building. 
Since this book was first published, the changes made in 
the cost of labor and in the selling price of material have 
been wonderful, and it may be said that buildings today 
are fully twenty-eight per cent more costly than they 
were when this book was first published. Recently prices 
have risen so high and at such a rate, that it has been 
found difficult to keep in touch with them. For three 
or four years past, contractors have either made or lost 
a lot of money, for they either have “run up” big prices, 
or, in sticking to conservative figures, have suffered losses 
to a considerable amount. 

While the old figures, as published before the present 
revision, had ceased to be correct, they had, and will con¬ 
tinue to have, the quality of being guides on which cor¬ 
rect, or nearly correct, prices may be based. As nearly 
as I can average up the present costs, they are about 28 
per cent greater than the figures given in the former 
edition. In the present corrected edition, all the figures 
have been overhauled, and changed when necessary to 
suit the current prices. 

It must not be expected that the prices given herewith 

S 


4 


PREFACE 


will be correct for all places—they will not. Prices in 
Chicago vary materially from those in Boston, New 
York, Edmonton, New Orleans, and San Francisco, and 
these again differ from the prices prevailing in the cities 
and towns within a hundred miles of these large centers. 
There is not, nor can there ever be, an estimating book 
so arranged that it will give correct figures for all parts 
of the country. Like everything else, “there is no royal 
road to estimating.” 

Fred T. Hodgson, F. R. A. I. C. 

Chester Cottage, 

Collingwood, Ontario, 

August 1, 1913. 


PREFACE 


The man who undertakes to build a book worth any¬ 
thing on estimating the cost of proposed buildings, is 
“up against 1 ’ a pretty serious proposition. Not that 
such a book cannot be written that will be of great use 
to builders, but because of the ever shifting of prices 
of labor and materials, and the constant changing of 
methods and appliances. Figures that may be all 
right and correct for the work of to-day, may be 
entirely wrong and misleading to-morrow, and this is 
the main objection to works on estimating. 

There are, however, certain rules and constants of 
measurements the estimator may employ when figuring 
up the cost of proposed buildings that may be relied 
upon as being correct, and in this work I have endeav¬ 
ored to show these rules and constants in as clear and 
understandable a manner as I know how, and I think 
my efforts have not been failures. 

After all, the main factor to be employed in the 
make-up of an estimate is experienced judgment. No 
matter how much mathematics a man may be master 
of, if he has not experience in building matters and 
mature judgment to guide him, he can never become 
a reliable estimator. A good judgment may be born 
in a man, but experience can be gained only by a cer¬ 
tain amount of labor and drudgery. As in othei 
departments of science and art, there “is no royal 
road” to estimating, unless it be that which leads to 
guess work and financial disaster; therefore, let me 
press, at the outset, on the minds of all owners of this 

5 


i 


6 


PREFACE 


work that an expert estimator can only become so by 
study and by a mastery of all the details that enter 
into the make-up of a building, added to a keen judg¬ 
ment and a comprehensive knowledge of the markets, 
labor, and materials employed on the proposed works. 

Many an honest builder, good mechanic, and clever 
constructionist, has come to grief by taking contracts 
too low, because of his lack of knowledge in estimat¬ 
ing, and thus not only does himself a great wrong, 
but he also disorganizes the whole building business in 
his neighborhood; for if he undertakes to do a certain 
job for a given price, his neighbors will expect to get 
similar work done for similar prices, and rival con¬ 
tractors then strain every nerve to get their estimates 
down to his level, and in doing so inferior materials 
are used, “scamping” is resorted to, and labor is 
crushed and cheapened to meet the conditions. 

In the following work I have made an endeavor to 
place within the reach of every workman of expe¬ 
rience an opportunity of qualifying himself to under¬ 
take the preparing of figures for work, so that he can 
make his tenders within the limits of reason—not 
absurdly high, or ridiculously low—so that only with a 
pen or pencil and this book he may be able to figure 
out and price a set of quantities in short order. 

Great pains have been taken to collect such exact 
information as may be found useful in estimating, 
either in the office or on the building, with the object 
of forming what I believe will prove a valuabe addi¬ 
tion to building literature in other directions than that 
of simply being a price book. 

During the last few years, materials of all kinds, raw 
or finished, have risen in price from 25 to 50 per cent, 
and labor has gone up in nearly the same proportion, 


PREFACE 


7 


and the end is not yet, and artificial values have been 
created, and this continual fluctuation must always be 
considered when estimating, because no rules can be 
so devised as to be as elastic as prices and mate¬ 
rial men’s quotations. This fact, or facts, only go to 
show that wherever prices are given in books of this 
sort, they should be accepted with salt. Notwith¬ 
standing this, however, the principles of estimating, 
as herein set forth, still hold good in so far as quan 
tities and methods are concerned. 

Collingwood, Ontario, 1904. 


Fred T. Hodgson. 








INTRODUCTORY 


Estimating the cost of a proposed building of any 
kind is not of a nature to attract the young workman, 
as it is a dull, dry, and methodical business and only 
the requirements of a sordid and money-making neces- 
sity compel the builder to wade through mazes of fig¬ 
ures to attain the desired result. 

If the writer had consulted his own pleasure and 
followed his inclinations he would not have written at 
all, or on a subject more congenial to his taste; but 
from long experience and observation and more or 
less practice, he has witnessed so much ignorance and 
inaptitude on the part of young men who have essayed 
to be builders and contractors that, with the advice of 
his publishers, he has undertaken to prepare this work 
on estimating, because it has been thought that a work 
of the kind may prove useful and of benefit to the 
young man who aspires to be a master builder or a 
contractor, and who may , if he chooses to go to the 
trouble, make himself fairly competent to arrive at 
the cost of any reasonable sized building. It may as 
well be understood at the outset, however, that there 
is no royal road by which eminence as an estimator 
can be attained. No matter what system or method 
may be adopted, correctness can only be reached 
through an avenue of labor and sound judgment. The 
best and most ingenious writers on the subject of esti¬ 
mating have never yet been able to discover or devise 
a method where the cost of a building may be “jumped 

9 


10 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


at’ at first sight. The system of cubing is, perhaps, 
the easiest of all methods, but is not a system the 
experienced builder would care to follow altogether, 
unless a large margin of profits and contingencies are 
provided for. 

While it will be impossible for me to so prepare this 
work as to be as entertaining as a novel, I will, to 
the best of my abilities, make it as easy to understand 
by the every-day workman as it possibly can be. 

Estimating is the most difficult task the builder has 
to deal with, and too much care cannot be taken, even 
if the quantities are supplied, if a correct tender is 
wanted. Many who tender make up their prices in a 
haphazard manner, often depending on trade cata¬ 
logues, price lists or newspaper quotations for data,, 
using their judgment, whether experienced or not, and 
without a full or even a fair knowledge of the scientific 
methods which underlie the proper formulating of a 
true estimate. Prices which enable successful con¬ 
tractors to calculate values for themselves are obtained 
by dissecting, taking asunder and examining the 
various elements that go to make them up, the com¬ 
plete result being shown in a final bill of quantities, 
labor and other costs. 

It will be impossible to make this work a mere 
hand-book of builders’ prices, as what may be the ruling 
price of labor or material to-day may be very much 
different to-morrow, as in these days of continual 
change there can be no such thing as “constants” in 
prices. I can give quantities, however, and describe 
the proper methods of obtaining them, and can convey 
to the student the principles upon which correct esti¬ 
mating is based, and offer here and there the prices of 
labor as now curre?it in the larger cities, not to be fol- 


AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


ii 


lowed, but simply to give an idea of the cost of various 
kinds of work when no other data is available. 

No man can be a successful contractor who does not 
attend strictly to his bookkeeping, so that he can tell 
in a moment, by reference to his books, the exact 
amount of profit or loss on the various jobs of work he 
has completed. This is important, inasmuch as the 
mistakes in estimating may be traced to their source, 
and thus be avoided when similar jobs are being figured 
on; and much trouble and disappointment may be 
avoided by having the accounts on every job itemized 
and kept in proper order. I will have more to say on 
this subject later on. 

All estimates should be retained, properly labeled, 
and put in some place where they can be found when 
required, whether the work for which they were pre¬ 
pared is secured or no f , for they will often prove of 
great service for future reference; and the estimator 
should make a note of each particular on which he may 
have priced too high or too low, if his tender is not 
accepted. If the work is secured, the cost of each par¬ 
ticular item in the building should be compared with 
the estimated price, and a note should be made on the 
margin of the original estimate showing the discrep¬ 
ancy, if any, between estimated and actual price. A 
correct account of all labor, how employed, should 
also be kept, so that the contractor may know from 
actual facts exactly what a piece of work costs, or the 
number of days or hours it required to perform such 
and such work, also amount and cost of materials on 
the same work; then, in preparing other estimates, he 
will have something tangible to base his figures on. 
It is better to estimate on days or hours for time, and 
on quantities for materials, because of the continual 


i2 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


fluctuations in price of labor and materials of all kinds. 
If it takes days, of 9 hours each, to execute a piece 
of work, the figuring on this is quite simple, for all we 
have to do is to multiply the number of hours by the 
price per hour for labor; suppose this to be 30 cents 
an hour, then we have 22 -J- x 30 = 675. That is, in 2 | 
days, at 9 hours per day, we get 22J hours at 30 cents 
per hour, which will make 675 cents, or 6 f dollars. 
Quantities may be figured in a similar manner. If the 
work requires 150 feet of material, then charge that at 
current rates, whatever these maybe; then add cost of 
labor and material together, and you have the bare 
cost of the work. To these, of course, must be added 
cartage, profit and any other materials that have been 
employed on the work, such as nails, screws, glue, 
paint, or anything else. By following this course, a 
record of all work done and estimated for will always 
be at hand, and it is surprising how much the labor of 
estimating may be reduced by a strict adherence to 
this system, as a comparison with work done and work 
to do may be made in a few minutes, and the differ¬ 
ence in prices of labor then and now adjusted so that 
no loss will occur to the contractor. 

The variations in tenders for the same work are often 
surprising. I have seen estimates, particularly in car¬ 
penter’s and joiner’s work, run up to as much as 50 per 
cent above the tenders of competing contractors, yet 
the lowest bidder made money. Competent esti¬ 
mators never make such wide errors as this, though 
often they do not keep close to the wind; and while 
mistakes will continue to be made, even by the very 
best estimators, by omissions, “doubling up,” and 
using wrong dimensions, the mistakes may be nar¬ 
rowed down to a very small area if system, care and 


AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


13 


judgment be exercised when the estimates are made. 
It will be the object of this little volume to narrow this 
area of error to the smallest possible limits, and to 
show the estimator how to avoid grievous errors and 
make his estimates more satisfactory and reliable. 

CATALOGUES AND PRICE LISTS 

No builder’s office can be well equipped except it 
contains the latest catalogues and price lists available, 
for on these the estimator must, to some extent, be 
dependent in his figuring on the cost of most of the 
material that goes in the work. Bricks, stone, lime, 
cement, lumber, hardware, and factory-made stuff 
may have their prices approximated from these publi¬ 
cations, but the shrewd estimator, while making use of 
these aids, does not rely upon them for serious pricing. 
They help considerably, as they contain a lot of con¬ 
densed information regarding prices and building; 
but they are not always to be depended upon, as they 
are not always compiled in a scientific way. For 
example, some of the prices include trade discount, 
some do not, while others are merely the ordinary 
list prices of merchants’ catalogues. The discount in 
itself largely varies, and there are two, and often 
more, discounts—a trade discount and a cash dis¬ 
count—and other mysterious discounts, such as 30% 
and 5%, which means 30 per cent off and 5 per cent 
off the balance; and again, the percentages are not uni¬ 
form; one merchant may have one discount, another 
another, so in all cases it is best to get prices and dis¬ 
counts direct from the merchant wherever possible. 
The diversities in discounts are innumerable, and it is 
the estimator’s duty to get definite information as to 


14 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


prices and discounts as prevailing in the locality where 
the work is to be done. 

Builders’ prices are broadly made up of two divi¬ 
sions, labor and material, to which may be added a 
third, namely, profit. The cost of labor and material 
vary from time to time, and from place to place, and 
do not fluctuate similarly. Sometimes labor may be 
high and materials low in price, and at other times 
materials may be high and labor low, so that no given 
rules can be formed to meet these conditions and be 
constant, and this fact rules price-books out of the race 
of accuracy for any length of time. Such things as 
closeness or slackness of supervision, misunderstand¬ 
ings as to quality of workmanship or materials, worry¬ 
ing by the architect, delay in furnishing detail draw¬ 
ings, differences in locality and site, frost and bad 
weather, sudden and unexpected rises and falls in the 
market, etc., will all help to alter the conditions of 
profit or loss for the contractor, and the extent of 
which is almost impossible to measure. 

When, however, the contractor has worked out a 
series of prices for himself, to suit both time and 
locality, he must be on the alert for parallel cases to 
avoid the great labor involved in making calculations 
afresh every time a new estimate is required. In fact, 
he should carefully prepare a sort of price-book for 
himself, suitable to the conditions, and so arranged 
that it can be revised from time to time. Thus a con¬ 
sistency in pricing would result, which is of consider¬ 
able importance. 

As already stated, the builder will be confronted 
with several grades of discounts, and among them will 
be a cash discount. This may be more or less or any¬ 
where within the limits of from 2 to 5 per cent, and it 


AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


*5 


should be the aim of the contractor to get the best dis¬ 
counts to be had, providing the materials or goods are 
up to the standard demanded by the specifications. 
Sometimes it may happen that on special goods or 
some particular make of hardware or other items, no 
discounts are allowed. This, however, can only hap¬ 
pen when a dealer has the sole control of these special 
goods, or when there is a scarcity of them in the 
market, or when a sudden demand for them arises. 
These conditions, however, seldom or never occur, so 
they may hardly be considered. In the practice of a 
shrewd contractor, the question of discounts enters 
largely into the make-up of an estimate, particularly 
where close competition is likely to be met with. 

The question of profit is one that must be well con¬ 
sidered when estimating; 10 per cent is the least 
amount a builder can accept, exclusive of established 
charges, and this should be added to each individual 
price, and no provision should, under ordinary condi¬ 
tions, be made for any trade discounts, as these are 
expected to swell the profits. Some estimators when 
pricing bills of quantities prefer to add a lump sum as 
profit at the end of a bill. This, however, is not a 
good thing to do, as it gives no correct method of 
knowing what the profits are. 

For wood or materials on small jobs, where both are 
limited, the profit should be higher, as the total 
expenditure in such a case is much more in proportion; 
therefore the percentage of profit should never be less 
than 15 per cent on work costing up to $2,500, but 
above this amount a smaller percentage would perhaps 
be sufficient. 

The large contractor, who may perhaps own his own 
brickyard, quarry or factory, with extensive premises 





l6 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


and rapid-working labor appliances of all kinds, can 
naturally turn out work cheaper and more expeditiously 
and at a greater profit to himself than the small con¬ 
tractor who possesses none of these appliances and 
aids. Often the latter, in order to save himself from 
loss, is obliged to scamp the work and use inferior 
materials, which he can frequently “get in’’ without the 
architect being able to detect it; he is often obliged to 
do this in order to keep himself afloat. My advice in 
cases of this kind is, that the lower contractor should 
confine himself to certain prices—that will pay him— 
and if he cannot win the work for these prices he had 
better leave the work for the larger contractors, and 
thereby preserve his reputation and his money. The 
small contractor can always find plenty of work to do 
if he but gets a good name for doing his work well 
and according to specification. 

Where there are dozens of doors made from one 
pattern, as many window frames and sashes, and hun¬ 
dreds of feet of mouldings in wood or stone of one 
shape and size, they can be rattled out by machinery in 
short order and at a comparatively low cost, and this 
is an item the estimator must consider, as it will aid 
materially in keeping down the total amount of tender; 
in any case, however, experience and judgment in 
such matters are required before a definite amount can 
be decided upon. 

With reference to terms of payment, it is always 
better that the contractor gets his money often, as it 
enables him to push his work with greater vigor, and 
gives him a chance of making the best cash discounts 
when purchasing materials, and, on these several 
accounts, he will be able to make a lower bid for the 
work than otherwise. The reserve to be deducted 


AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


17 


from each payment should never exceed 25 per cent, 
which is considered ample to cover any liens of work¬ 
men or material men and safeguard the interests of the 
owner. There are certain fixed charges or provisions 
in contracting that must not be overlooked. These 
consist of salaries, depreciation of plant, tools, 
machinery, rent of premises, lights, water, and inter¬ 
est in capital invested, of which the new work must 
pay its proportional share, and these charges should 
be kept separate and added to the estimate along with 
the percentage of profit. Such charges are commonly 
placed at 6.per cent interest on capital invested, and 3 
per cent for depreciation of plant, etc. Sometimes 
they are classed in two categories: 6 per cent on work 
done on the building, and 8 per cent on work done in 
the contractor’s factory or shops. These percentages, 
however, are somewhat arbitrary, and should be the 
result rather of experience and good judgment than 
any fixed rules, and the foregoing remarks are offered 
rather as reminders that some allowances must be 
made for each item when estimating, otherwise they 
might be overlooked. 

The question of transportation is one also that enters 
largely into the cost of work. If the works are situ¬ 
ated nearby the office and establishment of the con¬ 
tractor, the question will not be so formidable as when 
the work is some distance away, as the greater part of 
the material will very likely be near the ground and 
may only require handling and teaming once; but 
where the work is at a distance, the expense of getting 
the material on the ground will necessarily be much 
greater. When conditions will admit of it, it is always 
better and cheaper to have material shipped by boat 
than by rail, or long hauls by team, and the estimator 






i8 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


should make himself familiar with all the ways of 
communication to the spot where the building or build¬ 
ings are to be erected, and should get a schedule of 
rates from all the lines running to that point. A good 
idea is to get a map of the district which shows all the 
railway and water communication; then the shortest 
and best routes can be chosen, providing the rates are 
satisfactory. As I stated before, it is much better, 
when it can be done, to ship by water than by land, as 
because of the absence of vibration, fine work will 
be less likely to be injured or scratched during 
transit, and, as a rule, rates are always lower by water 
than by land. The average rate for the shipment of 
goods in this country is about 1 f cents per mile for 
short hauls, and something less for long hauls.* Rates, 
however, vary with the different roads and at different 
times, the highest rates being in winter, in the north, 
when the waterways are frozen up. Classification, 
also, has something to do with regulating rates. All 
goods should be insured or shipped at the carrier’s 
risk, then losses or damages will be covered. If goods 
have to be packed, or put up in crates or boxes, at 
least 15 per cent should be allowed for this work and 
material, and should be charged on the special goods 
boxed or crated only, but added to the estimates. 

Goods sent at carrier's risk that get damaged, should 
be returned by the same carriers free of cost, and 
when repaired or renewed should be delivered at the 
point where first destined, at the cost only of the first 
shipment of the same goods. That is, the shipper 
should pay for one shipment only. 

Where a quantity of goods of a similar kind is 
required, a special quotation should be given the con- 


*Per ton. 



AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


19 


tractor by the dealer, and this should never be over¬ 
looked, for it is not likely that it will be given if not 
applied for. 

Trade discounts, as a rule, are not publicly stated in 
trade catalogues or circulars; they can be obtained 
only on private application. Their amounts greatly 
depend on the quantity of goods ordered, and the 
larger the order the larger the percentage given. 

The foregoing remarks are offered as a sort of pre¬ 
liminary and should be well considered by the intend¬ 
ing estimator, as they contain much that will tend to 
smooth the way towards accuracy in making up a 
tender, and, if followed attentively, will enable the 
estimator, along with the rules that follow, to get at a 
result that will be nearly correct and satisfactory. 


SYSTEM IN ESTIMATING 

The estimator should follow some well-defined sys¬ 
tem in his work, in order that he may know he has not 
overlooked anything, for one of the dangers is that of 
omission. To overlook the roof—as I have known 
one instance of the kind—the floors, the doors, or any¬ 
thing else, is a serious matter, and in order to prevent 
this as much as possible I have prepared a list of items 
which I give further on, and which may be called a 
"Tickler” or a "Reminder” of what will be required 
to consider when making an estimate of a building 
complete. 

When erecting a structure of any kind, work should 
commence at the earth, so the first thing estimated, 
following the same rule, should be the excavations for 
cellar, drainage, foundations, trenches, and other simi¬ 
lar work, then the preparing and the laying of the 


20 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


foundations, whether of stone, concrete, or brick; and 
the same order should be followed throughout the 
whole building, until the whole is fully completed, 
from turning the first shovelful of earth until the last 
piece of finished work is put in place. 

The following items will remind the estimator of the 
things to be figured on as he works his way upwards: 


Inspection of site 

Examination of soil 

Note if gravel, soil, or sand 

Figure accordingly 

Get number of cubic yards 

The distance to be removed 

Where to be deposited 

Pumping water 

How drained 

Sewerage 

What depth of drains 

Depth of cellar 

Depth of foundation walls 

Width of footings 

Rock blasting 

Shoring banks 

Piling for foundations 

Sheet piling 

Excavations for piers 

Cesspool 

Cistern 

Trenches 

Cuttings for water pipes 
Grading 

Leveling cellar floor 
W. C. for workmen 
Removing fences 
Grubbing out tree stumps 
Removing surplus soil 
Removing debris 
Sodding 
Carriageways 


Footpaths 
Driveways to rear 
Tamping earth 
Concreting foundation 
Openings for drain pipes 
Laying drain pipes 
Area of all tiles 
Weeping tiles 
Elbows and bends 
Traps of all kinds 
Intake water pipes 
Waste pipes 
Footings 
Cellai* walls 
Furnace room 
Walls laid in cement 
Walls laid in lime mortar 
Walls built up of concrete 
Stone walls, field stone 
Stone walls, quarried stone 
Stone walls, dimension stone 
Brick walls for cellar 
Amount of stone 
Amount of bricks 
Amount of concrete 
Cellar steps 
Cellar windows 
Cellar doors 
Cellar partitions 
Cellar coping stones 
Cellar sills and lintels 
Bond stones 



AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


27 


Cellar water closet 
Water taps, etc. 

Concrete and cement floor 

Plank floor 

Earth floor tamped 

Wine cellar 

Vegetable cellar 

Coal storage bins 

Coal chute 

Ashes receiver 

Cellar stairs 

Preserve closet 

Shelving 

Plastering walls and ceilings 
Damp courses in walls 
Double sashes in windows 
Doors, what kind 
Fireplace and chimney 
Laundry tubs 
Hot and cold water supply 
Furnace and attachments 
Furnace, hot water 
Furnace, steam water 
Furnace, hot air 
Gas jets, how many 
Electric lights, how many 
Laundry table 
Clothes drying device 
Mangle 

Chimney piece 
Stove rings 
Registers 
Cellar finish 

Wardrobe hooks and pins 
Cupboards and drawers 
Tool room 

Wash bowl and stand 
Kind of hardware 
Ground floor 
Number of rooms 
Number of doors 


Number of windows 
Style of doors 
Style of windows 
Sizes of doors and windows 
Thickness of doors and windows 
Kind of glass 
How windows are hung 
Hardwood or pine finish 
Outside walls, stone, brick or 
wood 

Thickness of walls 
If stone, rock face 
Tooled, rubbed 
Cross tooth chiseled 
Crandalled 
Brick wall 

Thickness of brick walls 
Common bricks 
Pressed bricks 

First, second or third quality 

Mixed, brick and stone 

Walls ornamented 

Walls left plain 

Window finish 

Urinals 

Slate slabs 

Exterior window finish 

Interior window finish 

Exterior door finish 

Interior door finish 

Betting courses 

Sailing courses 

Laid in cement or mortar 

Front steps, stone 

Front steps, cement or wood 

Hall entrance 

Double floor, pine 

Hardwood floor 

Parquet floor in some rooms 

Tile floors 

Dimensions of joists 


22 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


Thickness of floors 

Height of ceilings 

Stairs, straight 

Stairs, winding 

Stairs, platform 

Pine or hardwood 

Kind of hardwood 

Styles of newels and balusters 

Plain finish in rooms 

Ornamental finish in rooms 

Fret and grill work 

Arches, plain or otherwise 

Styles of plastering 

Stucco cornices 

Styles of cornices 

Sliding doors 

Fireplaces 

How many 

Mantelpieces 

Mantelpieces, plain or ornamen¬ 
tal 

How finished 

Other wood finish 

Pillars, columns or brackets 

Base and plinth 

Style of trimmings 

Style of hardware 

Cost of hardware 

Grates and tiles 

Mirrors 

Gas lighting 

Jets and gasoliers 

Electric lighting 

Electroliers and brackets 

Piping for gas 

Wiring for electric lights 

Fitting clothes closets 

Fitting up den 

Fitting up closets 

Fitting up cellar stairs 

Fitting up dining room 


Fitting up other rooms 
Kitchen finish 
Tubs, sinks, dresser 
Cupboards, china closet 
Butler’s pantry 
General pantry 
Range 

Steam cooker 

Chimneys 

Ventilation 

Painting 

Varnishing 

Wainscot 

Panelings 

Washstands 

Marble facings for walls 

Double windows 

Sashes, weights and cord* 

Box frames 

Plain frames 

Window stools 

Inside shutters 

Inside blinds 

Splay boxes 

Tiled hearths 

Sash locks 

Tiled facings 

Back stairs 

Servant’s room 

Bay window 

Oriels 

Veranda 

Front porch 

Rear porch 

Stoop 

Back areas 

Front areas 

Iron railings 

Stone railings 

Balconies 

Window hoods 


AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


23 


Door hoods 
Door stops 
Door springs 
Plate glass 
Stained glass 
Niches 

Closet fittings 
Provide for heating 
Conservatory 
Corrugated glass 
Skylights 

Handrail, oak or mahogany 

Bracketed stairs 

Anchors and tie irons 

Vaults 

Angle irons 

Bond timbers 

Carving, if any 

Scaffolding 

Temporary enclosure 

Iron beams 

Iron columns 

Gas pipe pillars 

Water on main floor 

Taps, nickel plated 

Taps, plain 

Glazier’s work 

Meters, syphons 

Elbows, pendents 

Painting 

Paper hanging 

Iron pipes 

Lead pipes 

Brass pipes 

Washers, wastes 

Plugs, grating 

Pumps, suction pipes 

Wall hooks, supply pipes 

Cast iron work 

Wrought iron work 

Stucco work generally 


Stucco friezes, enrichments 
Stucco pateras, panels 
Stucco moldings 
Stucco beads, straight 
Stucco beads over arches 
Stucco arrises, quirks 
Stucco reveals angles 
Stucco centerpieces 
General plastering 
Two coats 
Three coats 
Lathing 

Quality of laths 
Sand, lime and hair 
Plaster of Paris 
Clean water 
Sound story joists 
Studding for partitions 
Beams 

Trimmers for hearths 
Trimmers for stairs 
Trimmers for chimneys 
Strapping walls 
Dimensions of strapping 
Wooden bricks 
Plugging walls 
Nailing strips 
Temporary sashes 
Lanterns 
Louvres 
Thresholds 
If metal ceilings 
If metal cornices 
Metal centerpieces 
Bridging joists 
Bridging studding 
Dimensions of studs 
Double partitions for sliding 
doors 

Lining pocket of sliding doors 
Hanging sliding doors 


24 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


Framing wooden house 
Boarding inside 
Boarding outside 
Boarding both sides 
Papering one or both sides 
Horizontal boarding 
Diagonal boarding 
Tar paper or plain paper 
Outriggers 
Towers 

Two-story bay windows 
Two-story oriels 
Tw T o-story balcony 
Two-story porches 
Two-story verandas 
Three or more stories of same 
Iron railings for balconies 
Wood railings for same 
Ornamental iron column 
Ornamental brackets, iron 
Iron supports for platform 
Iron trusses for balconies 
Iron plates for piers 
Other iron work 
Siding frame buildings 
Half-timbered building 
Rough cast building 
Brick veneered building 
Wood cornice outside 
Metal cornice outside 
Shingle cornice outside 
Brick cornice outside 
Stone cornice outside 
Attic floor joists 
Rafters 
Collar beams 
Trusses for roofs 
Framing for dormers 
Framing for eye-winkers 
Dormer windows 
Chimney stacks 


Framing roof 

Boarding roof 

Mortar under shingles 

Mortar under slate 

Asbestos paper under covering 

Common paper under covering 

Shingle roof 

Slate roof 

Tile roof 

Composition roof 
Tin roof 

Galvanized iron roof 

Roofs painted 

Flashing of all kinds 

Tin flashings 

Zinc flashings 

Galvanized iron flashings 

Eave troughs 

Conductor pipes 

Size of conductor pipes 

Mansard roof 

Saddle roof 

Hip roof 

Flat roof 

Tower roof 

Square tower roof 

Conical roof 

Steeple roof 

Polygon roof 

Bay window roof 

Porch roof 

Roof over balcony 

Veranda roof 

Framings for veranda 

Chamber floors 

Attic floors 

Bedroom fittings 

Number of doors in bedrooms 

Washbasins 

Closets, Drawers and fitments 
Servants’ bedrooms 


AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


2 5 


Hall, sewing room 

Continuous stairway 

Bathroom and fitments 

Water closet, in what style 

Bathroom washstand 

Linen closet 

Nursery 

Fireplaces 

Mantels 

Tiling for fireplaces 

Base, style of finish 

Built in seats 

Finish in main bedroom 

Finish in nurserv 
*/ 

Finish in servant’s room 

Finish in bathroom 

Finish in hall 

Finish in closets 

Openings and arches 

Style of painting 

Pine finish 

Hardwood finish 

Character of finish 

Cost of hardware 

Style and cost of bath tub 

Style of water closet 

Marble washstand 

Tiled walls 

Tiled floor 

Marble lined walls 

Ventilation 

Air ducts 

Register 

Bath trimmings 

Shower bath 

Hot and cold water 

Stairway to attic 

Attic storerooms 

Attic, clothes drying room 

Children’s playroom in attic 

Inside trim of dormer windows 


General finish of attic 
Water closet and lavatory in 
attic 

Painting in attic 
Attic doors 
Heating attic 
Attic storeroom 
Children’s toy room 
Hall in attic 

Railing around attic stairway 

Closets in attic 

Water in attic 

Plastering in attic 

Attic walls all boarded 

Matched ceiling in attic 

Attic hardware 

Chimney tops 

Style of chimney tops 

Chimney pots 

Finishing top of chimney 

Stone tops 

Cement tops 

Metal tops 

Roof decks 

Railing for decks 

Rolls for ridges 

Cresting for ridges 

Wood cresting 

Metal crestings 

Terra cotta crestings 

Terra cotta panels 

Terra cotta work generally 

Hatchway in deck 

Scuttle in deck 

Lead work 

Copper work 

Tin work 

Roof painting 

Painted or dipped shingles 

Stairs to roof or deck 

Flagpole 


26 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


Halyards 

Folding partitions 

Wire guards 

Boxed shutters 

Snow guards 

Boxed blinds 

Storm sashes 

Sliding blinds 

Storm doors 

Rolling blinds 

Screen doors 

Venetian blinds 

Wire screens for windows 

Dumb waiter 

Wood gables 

Transom doors 

Brick or stone gables 

Transom windows 

Half-timbered gables 

Mullion windows 

Plastered gables 

Circular top windows 

Shingled gables 

Elliptical windows 

Deafening floors 

Double-hung windows 

Deafening walls 

Single-hung windows 

Pugging floors 

Windows, plain 

Sub-floors 

Windows, ornamental 

Diagonal floors 

Pavements 

Rough floors 

Slop hoppers 

Cellar sleepers 

Vestibule 

Cedar posts 

Vestibule partition 

Chestnut posts 

Vestibule floor 

Spandid panels 

Hardwood or tile 

Lattice work 

Wainscot in vestibule 

Entrance approach 

Wainscot up stairway 

Porte-cochere 

Paneled stair strings 

Stepladders 

Hardwood stairs 

Refrigerator 

Wood-shed 

Cold storage shelving 

Coal-shed 

Wine bottle racks 

Garage fitments 

Garage 


While the foregoing does not pretend to give all the 
items that may be required, it offers to the estimator 
some hints as to what is required, in a general way, for 
domestic buildings. For factories, stables, barns, ware¬ 
houses, public buildings, churches, schools, railway 
stations, and similar work, a more elaborate list would 
be required, but the estimator should be able to find an 
the items in the specifications prepared for the work 
under consideration, and if he is thorough he will add 


AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


2 7 

to the list as given above such items, with their cost, 
as he goes over them when figuring. 

DIFFERENT METHODS OF ESTIMATING 

It is said there are not less than five different 
methods of estimating. Four of these are uncertain, 
but answer for the purpose of getting an approximate 
cost of some proposed work, and are chiefly made 
use of by architects and engineers to give their clients 
an idea of cost before going into actual building opera¬ 
tions. The fifth method, which is the only reliable 
method, is the taking out of exact quantities item by 
item. 

The first of these methods is the estimating by the 
cost per cubic foot of similar buildings. It is the best 
known method, and most usually adopted because of 
its general convenience. The dimensions are best 
taken by measuring the length and breadth from out to 
out of walls, and the height from half foundation to half¬ 
way up roof. The cubic contents, then obtained, are 
multiplied by the price per foot cube of some similar 
building. Sometimes the height is measured from the 
bottom of footings to half-way up the roof. Cheaper 
attached structures, such as annexed stables, sheds, 
etc., should be kept separate and priced lower; while 
more ornamental portions, like towers and porches, 
should be valued at a higher rate than the main block. 
Small buildings cost more in proportion than large 
ones of the same type. 

This cubing system is open to some objections. The 
lumping together of solids and voids at one rate is cer¬ 
tainly not scientific, for the same class of buildings 
may be divided into many rooms with numerous 
\nternal solids in the shape of walls, etc., between; 


28 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


while another may have comparatively few chambers, 
creating much empty space. In fact, the proportion 
of voids to the solid structure is not a fixed quantity, 
so that the price per cubic foot can never be exactly 
regulated. This method requires a large experience 
and a nicety in pricing which the estimator cannot 
always possess. The description and quality of mate¬ 
rials and workmanship, too, are seldom the same; 
neither are the conditions of contract, and these varia¬ 
tions are frequently overlooked when a certain rate per 
cubic foot is assumed. 

A second method is to take out rough quantities and 
price the items as the estimate proceeds. In this 
case the quantities of materials and workmanship are 
ascertained from the drawings in a broad and compre¬ 
hensive manner, the work being concentrated as much 
as possible into a few specific items and afterwards 
priced accordingly. Although this course is perhaps 
less generally used than any other for estimating pur¬ 
poses, yet it is one of the most reliable methods that 
can be adopted when time and circumstances do not 
admit of detailed quantities and prices. The fact that 
such a method is not more frequently used is probably 
due in a great measure to the want of a readily access¬ 
ible table of prices for the different groups of materials 
and labor. Slightly more time is also required for this 
purpose than when the cost is arrived at by the cubic 
contents or any other methods except by detail pricing. 
The final result, however, is nearer the truth than it 
would be by cubing. In estimating by this method it 
will be well to add io per cent for contingencies. 

When rough quantities are being taken for an approx¬ 
imate estimate, it is desirable that the various descrip¬ 
tions of materials and workmanship should be grouped 


AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


*9 

together so as to form as few separate items as pos¬ 
sible; also, in all cases where it can be done, the items 
should be priced as per square of ioo feet superficial, 
for the sake of uniformity and convenience. 

The walls should be classed according to their mate¬ 
rials and thickness, at the same time stating whether 
external or internal. Each item should include aU 
necessary digging, footings, doors, windows, and fin¬ 
ishings of wall surfaces, such as plastering, facings to 
external walls, etc., so that the item, and consequently 
the price, shall be inclusive of everything that apper¬ 
tains to the various enclosures or divisions of the 
building. For this purpose the superficial area of the 
walls should be obtained by taking the extreme length 
of each wall by the height from the bottom of the 
footings to the top of the eaves, in cases where the 
thickness of the wall is the same throughout. Should 
the wall vary in thickness, either in its length or 
height, each portion should be measured separately. 
No deductions must be made for door, window or 
other openings. Bay windows, chimneys and other 
additions of a like nature should be numbered and 
priced according to their materials and workmanship. 

The floors may be dealt with in a manner similar to 
that described for the walls. The ground and upper 
floors must be kept separate, and classed according to 
+he materials and finishings required. The item for 
wood floors on the ground floor to include sleepers, 
dwarf walls, joists, boarding, hearths, etc., together 
with a layer of concrete on brick rubbish over the whole 
area, and all necessary digging for same. Similarly, 
concrete or other floors will include all materials, 
labor, and finished surfaces that may be required. 
The upper floors to be treated in a similar manner. 


30 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


The item to include all joists, boarding, hearths, ceil¬ 
ings, cornices, and whitening or coloring the same. 
The roof coverings to be measured on the slope, the 
item being inclusive of roof trusses, rafters, boarding, 
shingling, slating or other covering, leadwork, eave- 
gutters, down pipes, etc. Ceiling joists, ceilings and 
whitening or coloring to ceilings will also be included 
in the same items here required. 

Drains, gas and water mains, electric wiring, and 
items of a similar nature, should be taken at per foot 
or per yard run, according to sizes, including all neces¬ 
sary digging, laying, filling, and removal of surplus 
materials. Manholes, disconnecting pits, etc., to be 
numbered and priced according to size and average 
depth. 

Staircases to be taken at per step, or per foot in 
height, classed according to their widths, and the 
nature of the materials and finishings. Gas and water 
fittings to be priced at per light or per tap, including 
all service-pieces from mains, digging, etc. 

Fitments or furnishings generally, such as cupboards, 
baths, sink, w. c.’s, ranges, grates, mantels, etc.,, are 
numbered and priced according to the class of fitments, 
material and finishings required. 

A series of average items and approximate prices 
adapted to this method of estimating, may be found in 
this work in some of the tables, rules and memoranda 
that follow. 

The third method of estimating is by the square of 
ioo feet, which, under some circumstances, is quite 
convenient for obtaining approximate cost. Its use is 
principally confined to one-story buildings, such as 
sheds, stores, schools, churches, chapels, stables, rail 
way stations, bungalows and similar buildings. It mav 4 


ANT CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


31 


however, be used for buildings two or more stories in 
height; but a considerable amount of discrimination 
and care must be exercised in order that the final 
result may be relied upon. 

The superficial area is obtained by taking the dimen* 
sions from out to out of walls at the ground level, so 
as to include any projection of the plinth or other off¬ 
set which frequently occurs at the base of a building. 
The result is commonly called the plinth area of the 
building. Where the materials, workmanship, or 
height of building or floor varies, each description or 
height must be kept distinct in order that they may be 
separately priced. 

In case of one-story buildings, the price per square 
includes foundations, walls, floor, roof, and all finish¬ 
ings. Occasionally data is at hand by which build¬ 
ings comprising two or more stories, such as ware¬ 
houses, etc., may be priced in the same way, the 
price per square of “plinth area” including founda¬ 
tions, walls, ground and upper floors, roof, etc., all 
complete. 

For general purposes, however, it is more conven 
ient to separate the different floors of buildings ol 
more than one story in height and price each flool 
accordingly. 

When this course is adopted for two or more stories, 
the ground floor is taken to include foundations, floor, 
walls, ceiling, and all finishings. Upper floor includes 
floor-joists, flooring, walls, ceilings, finishings, etc., 
whilst the top floor includes the roof covering in 
addition. 

Sometimes two-story buildings have both floors 
priced all the same rate, as it is found that the average 
cost of the ground floor, including the foundations, is 


32 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


about the same as that of the first floor, which includes 
the roof covering. 

It is also useful to remember that the floor area of a 
certain description of buildings affords some indication 
of the amount of accommodation provided. For class 
rooms in schools, the floor area accommodates from 
seven to ten scholars per square, being an allowance 
of fourteen to ten superficial feet per child. 

Ordinary churches accommodate from nine to twelve 
persons per square, corresponding to a total floor area 
of eleven to eight feet superficial per sitting respect¬ 
ively. In mission churches, etc., the floor space fre¬ 
quently averages about seven feet per sitting, or at the 
rate of fourteen persons per square. These figures 
include the floor area which is necessarily absorbed by 
aisles, pulpit, choir, vestry, sanctuary, etc. 

The actual amount of floor space required per person 
for seating accommodation in churches is from 4J feet 
to 5J feet, superficial. 

Pews, or sittings, in churches are usually spaced 
from 34 to 36 inches apart (measuring from back to 
back of seats), whilst the average length of seat 
required per person is from 20 to 22 inches. 

A fourth method of estimating is by unit of accom¬ 
modation, and in practice it is found that for certain 
descriptions of buildings or works, constructed under 
normal conditions, the cost of such buildings or works 
varies (within certain limits) in a direct ratio to some 
known unit of accommodation or requirements. 

For such buildings as hospitals, schools, churches, 
factories, etc., the cost can be approximately given, if 
the number of patients, children, etc., required to be 
accommodated is known. On occasions when time 
will not admit of even a sketch of the proposal being 


AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


33 


made, this method affords oftentimes the only ready 
means of ascertaining the approximate cost. Simi¬ 
larly, for certain minor accessories where the cost ol 
materials and construction varies but slightly for units 
of the same class, as in a range of latrines, etc., the 
approximate cost can be easily determined in the 
same way. Data for this method of estimating will be 
found in the rules I give in this work. 

The fifth, and most correct, method of estimating is. 
by taking out accurate quantities of materials and 
items of all kinds and pricing them as the figures are 
obtained, and then adding the cost of labor to each 
item. This may be called a “detailed bill of quan¬ 
tities.” This method, because of its entailing so much 
labor, should be adopted only when it is intended to 
carry out the work and when a tender is sent in or 
submitted for work about to be gone on with. It is 
very laborious, and necessitates great skill and a 
thorough knowledge of building construction, and par¬ 
ticularly of the work to be tendered for, so that the 
subject is somewhat difficult for young hands to deal 
with. The system should be divided into three parts 
or processes, namely, “Taking off,” “Abstracting," 
and “Billing,” the last portion showing the prices. 
In this method a full set of drawings of the work and 
copious specifications are necessary, so that the esti¬ 
mator can take the dimensions from one and quality 
of material and character of work from the other. The 
cost of the various descriptions of material and work¬ 
manship are then priced in accordance with the current 
rates obtained in the locality where the work is to be 
carried out. This method takes time and much labor, 
but it has the advantage of being correct, or nearly so, 
if the work is honestly and faithfully performed. In 


34 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


fact, it is the only method a young contractor should 
use when commencing business. After years of expe¬ 
rience and observation as a builder and contractor, 
cubing, or one or other of the quick methods, may be 
made use of under certain conditions, where the con¬ 
tractor knows what he is about. My advice, however, 
is to stick to the old and reliable method of estimating 
by items. It takes time, but the time and labor are 
well invested. 

The young estimator must necessarily have a fair 
knowledge of arithmetic, particularly that branch of it 
termed mensuration, before he can hope to become an 
expert; indeed, it will be impossible for him to become 
an expert unless he is good at figures and has some 
knowledge of geometry. In order to put him in a 
position to be able to wrestle with problems that are 
sure to crop up in estimating, I deem it expedient to 
arm him with rules and methods for obtaining areas, 
dimensions, and contents of all sorts of figures or solids 
he may meet with. 

It is but just to say that these rules and methods can 
be found in many works, but it has been thought expe¬ 
dient to reproduce them here, so that the student may 
have them at hand when making use of this work for 
study or for practical estimating. The rules and prob¬ 
lems are selected chiefly from educational works, and 
the tables have been prepared by competent author¬ 
ities, and have been examined and corrected, where 
necessary, and made suitable to the work in hand. 

It is presumed, at the outset, that the reader has 
some knowledge of arithmetic and is therefore able to 
follow without difficulty the problems that follow, 
which, after all, should offer no serious obstruction to 
a thorough knowledge of their qualities. 


AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


35 


MENSURATION OF SUPERFICIES 

Mensuration is that branch of mathematics by which 
we ascertain the contents or superficial areas, and the 
extension, solidities, and capacities of bodies. 

The area , or superficial contents of any figure, is the 
measure of its surface, or the space contained within 
the bounds of that surface, without any regard to 
thickness. 

In calculating the area, or the contents of any plane 
figure, some particular portion of surface is fixed upon 
as the measuring unit , with which the figure is to be 
compared. 

This is commonly a square , the side of which is the 
unit of length, being an inch, or a foot , or a yard, or any 
other fixed quantity, according to the measure peculiar 
to different artists; and the area or contents of any 
figure is computed by the number of those squares con¬ 
tained in that figure. 

For the same reason, determining the quantity of 
surface in a figure is called squaring it; that is, deter¬ 
mining the square or number of squares to which it 
is equal. 

In order to form correct estimates of the extent of 
surfaces and solids, various rules have been adopted, 
most of which, the most valuable and useful in prac¬ 
tice, will be found accompanying their respective 
problems in the following treatise, and with which the 
mechanic may speedily perform all the calculations 
that ordinarily oocur in the practical details of his 
business. 



36 


HODGSONS ESTIMATOR 


DEFINITIONS 

The following definitions, which are similar in sub¬ 
stance to those found in Euclid, are here inserted for 
the convenience of reference. 

I. Four-sided figures are variously named, according 
to their relative position and length of their sides. 

1. A line is length, without breadth 01 thickness. 

2. Parallel li?ies are always at the same perpendicular 
distance and they never meet, though ever so far 
produced. 

3. An angle is the inclination or opening of two lines, 
having different directions, and meeting in a point. 

4. A parallelogram has its opposite sides parallel and 
equal. 

5. A rectangle , or right parallelogram, has its opposite 
sides equal, and all its angles right angles. 

6. A square is a figure whose sides are of equal 
length, and all its angles right angles. 

7. A rhomboid' has its opposite sides equal, and its 
angles oblique. 

8. A rhombus is an equilateral rhomboid, having all 
its sides equal, but its angles oblique. 

9. A trapezoid is a quadrilateral figure, having only 
two of its sides parallel. 

10. A trapezium is an irregular figure, of four unequal 
sides and angles. 

11. When figures have more than four sides, they are 
classed under the head of Polygo?is. 

These again are either regular or irregular, according 
as their sides and angles are equal or unequal, and 
they are named from their number of sides or angles. 
Thus, a regular polygon has all its sides and angles 
equal. 


AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


37 


A pentagon has five sides 

A hexagon 

six “ 

A heptagon “ 

seven “ 

An octagon “ 

eight “ 

A nonagon 

nine “ 

A decagon 

ten “ 

An undecagon “ 

eleven “ 

A dodecagon “ 

twelve “ 


III. A figure of three sides and angles is called a 
triangle , and receives particular denominations from 
the relations of its sides and angles. 

1. An equilateral triangle is that whose three sides are 
equal. 

2. The height of a triangle is the length of a perpen¬ 
dicular drawn from one of the angles to the opposite 
side. 

3. An isosceles triaiigle is that which has only two 
sides equal. 

4. The height of a four-sided figure is the perpendic¬ 
ular distance between two of its parallel sides. 

OF FOUR-SIDED FIGURES 

Problem I.—To find the area of a four-sided figure, 
whether it be a parallelogram, square, rhombus, or 
rhomboid. 

Rule. —Multiply the length by the breadth or per¬ 
pendicular height, and the product will be the area. 


a c 


a 

a 6/| la b 




U/T7 


b c c d b C 


Example. —What is the area of a parallelogram, 
abed , whose length, c d , is 12 feet 3 inches, and 
whose breadth, a c y is 8 feet G inches? 












38 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


By Decimals. 

Feet. 

12.25 

8.50 

61250 

9800 

104.1250 feet. Ans. 


By Duodecimals. 


Feet. 

12.3' 

8 . 6 ' 

6 . 1 ' 6 " 

98. 0' 

104. 1' 6". Ans. 


Note. The fundamental problem, in the mensuration of super¬ 
ficies, is the very simple one of determining the area of a right 
parallelogram. The contents of other figures may readily be 
obtained by finding parallelograms which are equal to them. 


d 


Take any parallelogram, abed , and divide each of 
its sides, respectively, into as many equal parts as are 
expressed by the number of times they contain the 
linear measuring unit, and let all the opposite points of 
division be connected by right lines. 
Then it is evident that these lines divide 
the parallelogram into a number of 
squares, each equal to the superficial 
measuring unit, and that the number of 
these squares, or the area of the figure, 
is equal to the number of linear measuring units in the 
length, repeated as often as there are linear measuring 
units in the breadth or height; that is, equal to the 
length multiplied by the height, which is the rule . 


OF TRIANGLES 

Problem II.—To find the area of a triangle. 

Rule .—Multiply the length of one of the sides by the 
perpendicular falling upon it, and half the product 
will be the area. Or multiply half the side by the per¬ 
pendicular. 














AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


39 



Example .—What is the area of a triangle whose base, 
a b , is 18 feet 4 inches, and height, c d y 11 feet 10 
inches? 

18.4X11.10-5-2=108 feet 5§ inches. 

Example 2 .—How many square rods of land are 
there in a lot which is laid out in a right-angled tri¬ 
angle, the base measuring 19 rods, and the perpendicu¬ 
lar breadth 15 rods? Ans. 142.5. 

Case II.—To find the area of a triangle from the 
length of its sides. 

Rule. —1. Add together the lengths of the three 
sides, and take half their sum. 

2. From this half sum subtract each side separately. 

3. Multiply together the half sum and each of the 
three remainders, and extract the square root of the 
product; the quotient will be the required area of 
the triangle. 

Example .—If the sides of a triangle are 134,108 and 
80 rods, what is the area? 

134 161 

108 134 

80 27 1st rem. 

322-f-2=161 half sum. 

Then, to obtain the products, we h ave 161X 27X53X81= 
18661671: from which we find area=\/i8661671=4319 square 
rods. 


161 161 

108 80 

53 2d rem. 81 3d rem. 












40 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


To find the hypotenuse of a right-angled triangle, 
when the base and perpendicular are known. 

1. Square each of the sides separately. 

2. Add together these squares. 

3. Extract the square root of the sum, which will be 
the hypotenuse. 

Example .—The wall of a building, b c, on the bank 
of a river, a b, is 120 feet high, and the breadth of the 
river 210 feet: what is the length of a line, a c , which 
will reach from the top of the wall to the opposite 
bank of the river? 

120 2 X 210 2 =58500 and n/ 58500=241.86 ft. Ans. 

To find one of the legs when the hypotenuse and the 
other leg are known. 

Rule .—Subtract the square of the leg whose length is 
known, from the square of the hypotenuse, and the 
square root of their difference will be the answer. 

Example .—The hypotenuse, a c ) of a triangle is 53 
yards, and the perpendicular, b c , 45 yards: what is 
the length of the base, a b? 

53 2 —45 2 =784 and \/784=28 yds. Ans. 28 yds. 


OF TRAPEZIUMS AND TRAPEZOIDS 


d 


Problem III.—To find the area of a trapezium. 

Rule .—Divide the trapezium into triangles by draw¬ 
ing diagonals; and the sum of the areas of these tri¬ 
angles will be the area of the tra¬ 
pezium. 

Example .—What is the area of 
a trapezium whose diagonal, a c } 
is 42 feet, and the two perpendic¬ 
ulars, d e and b f 18 and 16 feet? 









AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


4i 


42X9=378 ) A 

42X8=336 \ 714 sq ’ R- Ans. 


a 


Problem IV.—To find the area of a trapezoid. 

Rule .— Multiply the sum of the two parallel sides by 
the perpendicular distance between them, and half the 
product will be the area. 

Example 1 .—Required the area of the trapezoid, 
abed , having given a b = 321.51 w 
feet, d ^=214.24 feet, and whose 
height is 171.16 feet. 

We first find the sum of the sides, 
and then multiply it by the perpendicular height; after 
which, we divide the product by 2 for the area. 

321.51+214.24=535.75=the sum of the parallel sides. 

Then, 535.75X171.16=91698.97. 

And, 91698.97-^-2=45849.485. Ans. 

OF REGULAR POLYGONS 

Problem V.—To find the area of a regular polygon, 
or any regular figure. 

Ride 1 .—Multiply one of its sides into half its per¬ 
pendicular distance from the center, and this product 
into the number of sides. 

It is evident, on inspection, that a regular polygon 
contains as many equal triangles as the figure has sides. 

Thus, the adjoining hexagon has six triangles, each 
equal to a b c. Now, the area of a b c is equal to the 
product of the side a b into i of c d. The area of the 

whole, therefore, is equal to this prod¬ 
uct multiplied into the number of sides. 

Example. —1. Required the area of a 
regular hexagon, each of whose sides, 
a b , etc., is 45 feet, and the perpendicu- 
a 0 lar, c d , 24 feet. 



a 








42 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


We first multiply one side by \ of the perpendicu¬ 
lar, c d , and that product by the number of sides: this 
gives the area. 

48X12X6=3240 ft. Ans. 

To facilitate the measurement of polygons, the fol¬ 
lowing table is constructed, showing the multipliers of 
the ten regular polygons, when the sides of each are 
equal to 1: 


No. 

of 

sides. 

Name of 
Polygon. 

Angle. 

Angle of 
Polygon. 

Area of 
Multipliers 

A 

B 

C 

3 

Triangle . . 

120 

60° 

0.433012 

2. 

1.732 

.5773 

4 

Square. .. . 

90 

90 

1. 

1.41 

1.414 

.7071 

5 

Pentagon . 

72 

108 

1.720477 

1.238 

1.175 

.8506 

6 

Hexagon. . 

60 

120 

2.598076 

1.156 

= Radius 

Lgth of sioe 

7 

Heptagon . 

51f 

128$ 

3.633912 

1.11 

.8677 

1.152 

8 

Octagon . . 

45 

135 

4.828427 

1.08 

.7653 

1.3065 

9 

Non agon .. 

40 

140 

6.181824 

1.06 

.6840 

1.4619 

10 

Decagon .. 

36 

144 

7.694208 

1.05 

.6180 

1.6180 

11 

Un dec agon 

32 A 

147f 

9.365640 

1.04 

.5634 

1.7747 

12 

Dodecagon 

30 

150 

11.196152 

1.037 

.5176 

1.9318 


Now, since the areas of similar polygons are to each 
other as the squares of their homologous sides, if the 
square of a side of a polygon be multiplied by the 

multiplier of the like figure, the product will be the 
area sought. And hence we have, 

l 2 : tabular area : : any side squared : area. 

To find the area of a regular polygon, when the side 
only is given. 

Rule .—Multiply the square of the side by the multi¬ 
plier opposite the name of the polygon in the above 
table, and the product will be the area. 

Example .—What is the area of a regular decagon 
whose side is 87 feet? 

87 2 X 7.694208=58237.46. Ans. 




























AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 



ADDITIONAL USE OF THE ABOVE TABLE 

\ 

The third and fourth columns of the table will 
greatly facilitate the construction of those figures with 
the aid of the sector. Thus, if it is required to describe 
an octago?i , opposite to it, in the third column, is 45; 
then with the chord of 60 on the sector as radius, 
describe a circle, taking the length 45 on the same line 
of the sector; mark this distance off on the circum¬ 
ference, which, being repeated around the circle, will 
give the points of the side. 

The fourth column gives the angle which any two 
adjoining sides of the respective figures make with 
each other. 

Take the length of a perpendicular drawn from the 
center of one of the sides of a polygon, and multiply 
this by the numbers in column A; the product will be 
the radius of the circle that contains the figure. 

The radius of a circle, multiplied by the number in 
column B, will give the length of the side of the cor¬ 
responding figure which that circle will contain. The 
length of the side of a polygon, multiplied by the cor¬ 
responding number in the column C, will give the 
radius of the circumscribing circle. 

OF IRREGULAR BODIES 

To find the area of an irregular polygon. 

Rule .— Draw diagonals to divide the figure into 
trapeziums and triangles; find the area of each sep¬ 
arately, and the sum of the whole will give the area 
required. 

What is the area of the adjoining polygon, ab c d e 
fgh? 


44 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


Let a c —20 rods. 
“ bp= 4 “ 

“ a c= 20 “ 

“ hp= 6 “ 

“ c e =25 “ 

“ dp= 3 “ 

“ / h=2S “ 

<! 7 “ 

“ / h=2H “ 

“ ep= 8 “ 

“ hce=25 “ 


/ 



£2 




each. 


Ans. 


618.8 sq. rods. 

Note The triangle, hce, is solved by Problem II, Case II. 


Problem VI. —To find the area of a long irregular 
figure, bounded on one side by a straight line. 

Rule. —1. Measure the breadth in several places, and 
at equal distances from each other. 

2. Add together all the different breadths, and half 
the sum of the two extremes. 

3. Multiply this sum by the base line, and divide the 
product by the number of equal parts of the base. 

Example. —1. The breadths of 
an irregular figure, abed ,, at five 
equidistant places, being 8.2, 7.4, 


a 


9.2, 10.2, 8.6, and the whole length 
39, required the area. 


8.2 

8.6 


2)16.8=sum of extremes. 
8.4=mean of extremes. 
7.4 
9.2 
10.2 

35.2 sum. 


35.2=sum. 

39 

3168 

1056 

4) 1372.8 

343.2. Ans. 


2. The length of an irregular figure being 84, and the 
breadths at six equidistant places, 17.4, 20.6, 14.2,16.5, 
20.1. 24.4, what is the area? 1550.64. Ans. 




















AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


45 


Note. If the perpendiculars or breadths be not at equal dis- 
tances, add them together, and divide their sum by the number 
of them, for the mean breadth; then multiply the mean breadth 
by the length, and the product will be the whole area not far from 
the truth. 


OF THE CIRCLE AND ITS PARTS 
DEFINITIONS 

1. A circle is a plane figuie, bounded by a curved 
line, called the circumference, every part of which is 
equally distant from a certain point within, called the 
center. 

2. A diameter of a circle is a straight line, passing 
through the center, and terminating at the circum¬ 
ference. 

3. A radius or semi-diameter is a straight line, extend¬ 
ing from the center to the circumference. 

4. A semi-circle is one half of the circumference. 

5. A quadrant is one quarter of the circumference. 

6. An arc is any portion of the circumference. 

7. A chord is a straight line, which joins the two 
extremes of an arc. 

8. A circular segment is the space contained between 
an arc and its chord. The chord is sometimes called 
the base of the segment. The height of the segment is 
the perpendicular from the middle of the base to the 

arc. 

9. A circular sector is the space contained between 
an arc and the two radii, drawn from the extremes of 
the arc. 

10. A circidar zone is the space contained between 
two parallel chords which form its bases. 

11. A circidar ring is the space between the circunv 
ferences of two concentric circles. 


46 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


12. A lune or crescent is the space between two cir- 
cular arcs, which intersect each other. 

13. An ellipse or oval is a curve line, which returns 
into itself like a circle, but has two diameters of 
unequal length, the longest of which is called the 
transverse, and the shortest the conjugate axis. 

Problem I.-^-To find the circumference of a circle 
when the diameter is given. 

Rule. —Multiply the diameter bv 3.1416, and the 
product will be the circumference Or, multiply the 
diameter by 22, and divide the product by 7. Or, 
multiply the diameter by 355, and divide the product 
by 113. 

Note.—T he latter rule is a little more accurate than any other 
expressed in small numbers. 



ference of a circle 


Example. —1 . What is the circum¬ 
ference of a circle whose diameter, 
a b , is 40 feet? 

40X3.1416=125.66. Ans. 

Example. —2. Required the circum- 
whose diameter is 73f. 

Ans. 231.6922. 


Note.— See Table of Circumferences of Circles. 

Problem II.—To find the diameter of a circle when 
the circumference is given. 

Rule. —Divide the circumference by 3.1416, and the 
quotient will be the diameter. Or, multiply the cir¬ 
cumference by 7, and divide the product by 22. 

Example. —The circumference of a circle is 69.115 
yards: what is the diameter? 

69.115-5-3.1416=22 yards. 

The same result may be obtained more conveniently, 
by exchanging the divisor, 3.1416, for a multiplier , 



AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


47 


which will give the same answer, for, in the propor¬ 
tion 3.1416 : 1 :: Circ. : Diam., the fourth term may be 
directly found by dividing the second by the first, and 
multiplying the quotient into the third. Thus, 
1-*-3.1416=0.31831. Therefore, if the circumference 
of any circle be multiplied by the decimal .31831, the 
product will be the diameter. 

In many cases there will be a decided saving of labor 
by exchanging the divisor for a multiplier , as will be 
seen in the following example: 

Example. —What is the diameter of a circle whose 
circumference is 50? 

50X.31831=15.91550. 

Note. —As multiplication is more easily performed than divi¬ 
sion, this last method is decidedly the more preferable. 

Problem III.—To find the area of a circle when the 
diameter and circumference are both known. 

Rule. —Multiply the square of the diameter by .7854. 
Or, the square of the circumference by .07958. Or, 
multiply the circumference by the diameter, and 
divide the product by 4; in either case the product 
will be the area. 

Example. —1. Required the number of square inches 
in a piston whose diameter is 12£ inches. 

12£ 2 =12.5 X 12.5=156.25, and 156.25X.7854=122.71 sq. in. Ans. 

2. The piston of the railroad engine Boston is 15 
inches diameter: how many square inches does it con¬ 
tain? * 176.71. Ans. 

Note. —Th® reason of this rule will appear by considering that 
if the circumference of a circle be 1, the diameter will=0.31831 
(Prob. II), and \ of this diameter into the circumference is 0.7958 
=area. (See Table of Areas of Circles.) 

Problem IV.—I. To find the length of an arc of a 



48 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


circle, when either the number of degrees which it 
contains, or the radius, chord, and height are given. 

Rule .—Multiply the number of degrees in the arc by 
the decimal .01745, and that product by the radius of 
the circle. Or, from 8 times the chord of half the arc, 
subtract the chord of the whole arc, and i of the 
remainder will be the length of the arc, nearly. Or, 
as 3 is to the number of degrees in the arc, so is .05236 
times the radius to its length. 

Example. —1. What is the length of an arc of 40 
degrees, in a circle whose radius, a c y is 12 feet? 

.0745X40X 12=8.376=length of the arc. 

2. What is the length of an arc whose chord, a b % is 
120, and whose height, p d , is 45? 

120-*-2=60=1 chord of the arc. 

And 60 2 =3600 
“ 45* =2025 

5625=sum of the squares. 

Then \/ 5625=75=chord of \ the arc. 

And 75X8—120-*-3=160. Ans. 

Note.— The chord of half the arc is equal 
to the square root of the sum of the squares 
of the height and half the chord of the whole arc. 

II. When the chord of the arc and the chord of half 
the arc are given. 

Rule .—From the square of the chord of half the arc 
subtract the square of half the chord of the entire arc; 
the remainder will be the square of the versed sine. 
Then proceed as before. 

Note —The square root of the sum of the squares of the versed 
sine or height, and half the chord of the entire arc is equal to the 
chord of half the arc. 


d 







AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


49 


III. When the diameter and the versed sine of half 
the arc are given. 

Rule .—From GO times the diameter subtract 27 times 
the versed sine, and reserve the number. Multiply the 
diameter by the versed sine, and the square root of 
the product will be the chord of half the arc. Multiply 
twice the chord of half the arc by 10 times the versed 
sine, divide the product by the reserved number , and 
add the quotient to twice the chord of half the arc; 
the sum will be the length of the arc, very nearly. 


TABLE OF THE RELATIVE PROPORTIONS OF THE CIRCLE, ITS 
EQUAL AND INSCRIBED SQUARES 


1. The diameter of a circle 


2 . 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6 . 

7. 

8 . 
9. 


X .8862 
X .2821 
X .7071 
X .2251 
X .6366 
side of inscribed squareX 1.4142 
side of inscribed squareX 4.443= 
side of a square X 1.128= 

side of a square X3.545= 


circumference 

diameter 

circumference 

arc 


j- =sideof an equal square. 

| =sideof an inscribed sq. 

=contents of inscribed sq. 

diam. circumscrib’g cir. 
circum. circumscrib’g cir. 
diam. of an equal circle, 
circum. of an equal sq. 


Problem V.—To find the side of a square inscribed in 
a circle, from its circumference or diameter. 

Rule .—Multiply the diameter by .7071=the side of 
the inscribed square. Or, multiply 
the circumference by.2251=side of 
the inscribed square. 

Example. —1. The circumfer¬ 
ence of a circle is 68 inches: what 
is the side of the inscribed square? 

68X.2251=15.30 inches. Ans. 

2. The diameter of a tree is 37^- 
inches at the small end: what is the measure of the 
side of the greatest square which can be sawed from it? 

37.5X.7071=26.51 inches Ans. 








50 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


Note. —The area of a circle is to the area of the circumscribed 
square as .7854 is to 1, and to that of the inscribed square as .7854 
is to If the reader will examine the above figure, he will see 
that the square, A B C D, which is circumscribed about the circle, 
is equal to the square of the diameter of the circle, since the diam¬ 
eter^ c, equals the side A B, and A B squared gives the area of the 
square A B CD; also, that the inscribed square, abed, is just J of 
the circumscribed square. Since each of the triangles into which 
the inscribed square is divided is precisely half of each of the four 
squares into which the circumscribed square, A B C D, is divided. 
That is, the inscribed square contains only 4 right-angled tri¬ 
angles, while the circumscribed square contains 8. Consequently, 
the square described within a circle is precisely half of the square 
described without it. 


Problem VI.—To find the area of a sector of a circle. 

Rule. —1. Find the length of the arc by problem vii. 

2. Multiply the length of the arc thus found, by half 
the length of the radius, and the product will be the 
area. 

Or, as 3G0 degrees is to the number of degrees in 
the arc of the sector, so is the area of the circle to the 
area of the sector. 


Note. —If the diameter of radius is not given, add the square 
of half the chord of the arc to the square of the versed sine of half 
the arc, and divide the sum by the versed sine; the quotient will 
be the diameter. 


It is manifest that the area of the sector has the same 
ratio to the area of the circle which the number of 
degrees in the arc has to the number of degrees in the 
whole circumference; and the rule for finding the area 
of the sector, is the same as that for find¬ 
ing the area of the whole circle. 

Example. — What is the area of a sector 
of a circle, a c b, in which the radius, a c, 
is 25 and the arc of 26 degrees? 

By problem vii. Rule 3. 



AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


5i 


As, 3 : 26 : : 25X.05236 : 11.344; and 11.344X 12£=141.8. Ans. 

Problem VII.—To find the area of the segment of a 
circle. 

Rule. —1. To the chord of the whole arc add f of the 
chord of half the arc. 

2. Then multiply the sum by the versed sine, or 
height of the segment, and T 4 ¥ of the product will be 
the area of the segment, very nearly. 

3. Divide the height or versed sine by the diameter 

of the circle, and find the quotient in the column of 
versed sines. (See table.) Then take out the cor 
responding area in the next column on the right hand, 
and multiply it by the square of the a 

diameter for the answer. 

Example. —1. Required the area 
of a circular segment whose chord, 
a b, = 24, and whose radius, c a, = 20 
feet? 

c a—a p 2 =c p z =\/ 400—144 = 16 = cp. 

cd—c p—d p=20—16=4=height of segment. 

a V~VP d 2 =a d 2 =\/ 144-|-16=12.64911=chord ad. 

24 =the chord of the segment. 

12.6491 l=chord of \ the segment. 

4.21637=g of the chord of £ the arc. 

40.86548=the height of the segment. 

163.46192X4-T-10=65.384768=area of the segment. Ans. 



(See Table of Areas of the Segments of Circles.) 


OF LUNES 

Problem VIII. — To find the area of a lune or crescent. 

Rule .—Find the difference of the two segments 
which are between the arcs of the crescent and its 
chord for the area. 







52 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


Example .—The chord of two 
segments, a b, is 72, and the 
height of the greater segment, 
h d , is 30, and of the lesser, li 
6 c, 20: what is the area of the 
crescent? 

^-f-36 2 = 2 1 96 and N/2196=46.8=chord of half the arc. 

And 46.8X1=62.4: Then, 62.4+72X30X T %=1612.8=area of 
segment, abd. 

Again, 20 2 -}-36 2 =1696 and \/l696=41.2=chord of \ arc. 

Then, 41.2|=50.8, and 50.8+72X20X r V=982.4=area of seg¬ 
ment, a be. 

The difference of these areas is 630.4=the area of 
the lune or crescent. 

Note. —If upon the three sides of a right-angled triangle, as 
diameters, semicircles be described, two lunes will be formed, 
whose united areas will be equal to the area of the triangle. 

Problem IX.—To find the area of a circular zone. 

Rule .—From the area of the whole circle, subtract 
the areas of the two segments on the sides of the zone. 

If from the whole circle there be taken the two seg¬ 
ments, a b c and df there will remain the circular 
zone, a c f d. 

Example. —1. What is the area 
of the zone, a c f d, if a c is 7.75, 
df 6.93, and the diameter of the 
circle 8? 

50.26=area of the whole circle. 

17.23=area of the segment, abc. 

9.82=area of the segment, dfg. 

27.05 

And 50.26—27.05=23.21=area of the zone, acfd. 

Problem X.—To find the area of a ring included 
between the circumferences of two concentric circles. 


Q 



d 













AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


53 


Rule. —1. Square the diameter of each circle, and 
subtract the square of the less from that of the greater. 

2. Multiply the difference of the squares by the deci¬ 
mal .7854, and the product will be the area. 

Or, multiply the product of the sum and difference of 
the two diameters by .7854. 

Example. —If the diameter of 
the outer circle, a b , be 221, and 
the inner circle, d c , 106, what 
is the area of the ring? 

First, 22?X .7854= 38359.72 

And, 106 2 X.7854= 8824.75 

Ans. 29534.97 

Note. —The area of each of these circles is equal to the square 
of the diameter multiplied by .7854 (Prob. 3). And the difference 
of these squares is equal to the product of the sum and difference 
of the diameters. Therefore, the area of the ring is equal to the 
product of the sum and difference of the two diameters, multi¬ 
plied by .7854. 

OF ELLIPSES 

Problem XI.—To find the area of an ellipse. 

Rule. —Multiply the longer axis by the shorter, and 
the product, multiplied by the decimal .7854, will be 
the area required. 

Note. —A common and more scientific name for the longei 
axis of an ellipse, is the transverse or major, and for the shorter, 
the conjugate or minor. 

Example. —1. What is the area of 

an ellipse whose longer axis, a b , is 

. 70 feet, and whose shorter, d c , is 50 
0 1 

feet ? 

a bxd e=70X50=3500. 

Then, 3500X.7854=2748.9=area. 

2. What is the area of an ellipse whose axes are 16 
and 12? 150.79. Ans. 












54 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


Problem XII.—To find the circumference of an ellipse. 

Ride. —Square the two axes, and multiply the square 
root of half their sum by 3.14159; the product will be 
the circumference, nearly. 

Example. —What is the circumference of an ellipse 
whose transverse and conjugate axes are 16 and 18 
feet? 


16 2 -f-18 2 =580=sum of the squares of the axes. 

And, 290=half sum. 

Then, s/ 290X3 14159=53.498=circumference. 

Problem XIII.—To find the area of an elliptic seg¬ 
ment, cut off by a line perpendicular to either axis. 

Ride .—Find the area of a corresponding circular seg¬ 
ment, having the same height and the same vertical 
axis or diameter. Then say, as the vertical axis is to 
the other axis, parallel to the segment’s base, so is the 
area of the circular segment before found, to the area 
of the elliptic segment sought. 

Example. —The height of an elliptic segment is 10, 
and the axes 25 and 35 respectively: what is the area? 

10^35=.2857 tabular versed sine and segment=.18452. 

And, .18452X35 2 =249.98. 

Then, 25 : 35 : : 249.98 : 349.97=area. 


Problem XIV.—To find the area of a parabola. 

Rule. —Multiply the base by the height, and two- 
thirds of the product will be the area. 

Example. —What is the area of a para¬ 
bola, whose base, a b , is 26 inches, and 
height, d e, 18 inches? 

26X 18=468=product of base and height. 
468X§=312=area in square inches. 

Then 312-^-144=2^ square feet. Ans. 



Problem XV.—To find the area of a frustum of a 
parabola, cut off by a line drawn parallel to the base. 




AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


55 


Rule .—Multiply the difference of the cubes of the two 
ends of the frustum by twice its altitude, and divide 
the product by three times the difference of their 
squares. 

Example .—What is the area of a frustum of a parab¬ 
ola whose height, c b, is 12 feet, and 
its upper end, a e, 12 feet, and its base, 
df 20 feet? 


20 =400 
12 2 =144 

256=diff. of their squares 
__3 
768 


20 =8000 
12 3 =1728 



6272 

24=twice the height. 


25088 

12544 

150528-5-768=196 ft Ans. 


OF HYPERBOLAS 

Problem XVI.—To find the area of a hyperbola. 

Ride. —To five-sevenths of the abscissa, v e , add the 
transverse diameter; multiply the sum by the abscissa, 
and extract the square root of the product. Then, 
multiply the transverse diameter, v g, by the abscissa, 
v e , and extract the square root of that product. Then, 
to 21 times the first root, add 4 times the second root; 
multiply the sum by double the product of the conju¬ 
gate and abscissa, and divide by 75 times the trans¬ 
verse; this will give the area, nearly. 

Example. —What is the area of a Hyperbola, df v y 
whose transverse diameter, v g y is 80, and conjugate, 
df, 50, and whose abscissa, v e y is 45? 

V 

„ f of 45=32.14 and v/32 14+80X45=71.03 

/ 6i \ y/ 80X45=60 

L -4-- 71 03X21=1491.63 

d 1 60 X 4= 240 

1731.63 

1731.63 X (50 X 45X 2).^ (80 X 75)= 1298.72. Ans, 

a 
















56 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


TABLE OF THE AREAS OF THE SEGMENTS OF A 

CIRCLE, 

WHOSE DIAMETER IS UNITY AND SUPPOSED TO BE DIVIDED INTO 

1000 EQUAL PARTS 


Y’rs’d 

Sine 

Area of 
Segment 

V’rs’d 

Sine 

Area of 
Segment 

V’rs’d 

Sine 

Area of 
Segment 

V’rs’d 

Sine 

Area of 
Segment 

V’rs’d 

Sine 

Area of 
Segment 

.001 

.00004 

.039 

.01014 

.077 

.02782 

.115 

.05016 

.153 

.07602 

.002 

.00011 

.040 

.01053 

.078 

.02835 

.116 

.05080 

.154 

.07674 

.003 

.00021 

.041 

.01093 

.079 

.02889 

.117 

.05144 

.155 

.07746 

.004 

.00033 

.042 

.01133 

.080 

.02943 

.118 

.05209 

.156 

.07819 

.005 

.00047 

.043 

.01173 

.081 

.02997 

.119 

.05273 

.157 

.07892 

.006 

.00061 

.044 

.01214 

.082 

.03052 

.120 

.05338 

.158 

.07964 

.007 

.00077 

.045 

.01255 

.083 

.03107 

.121 

.05403 

.159 

.08038 

.008 

.00095 

.046 

.01297 

.084 

.03162 

.122 

.05468 

.160 

.08111 

.009 

.00113 

.047 

.01339 

.085 

.03218 

.123 

.05534 

.161 

.08184 

.010 

.00132 

.048 

.01381 

.086 

.03274 

.124 

.05600 

.162 

.08258 

.011 

.00153 

.049 

.01424 

.087 

.03330 

.125 

.05666 

.163 

.08332 

.012 

.00174 

.050 

.01468 

.088 

.03387 

.126 

.05732 

.164 

.08405 

.013 

.00196 

.051 

.01511 

.089 

.03444 

.127 

.05799 

.165 

.08480 

.014 

.00219 

.052 

.01556 

.090 

.03501 

.128 

.05865 

.166 

.08554 

.015 

.00243 

.053 

.01600 

.091 

.03558 

.129 

.05932 

.167 

.08628 

.016 

.00268 

.054 

.01645 

.092 

.03616 

.130 

.05999 

.168 

.08703 

.017 

.00294 

.055 

.01691 

.093 

.03674 

.131 

.06067 

.169 

.08778 

.018 

.00320 

.056 

.01736 

.094 

.03732 

.132 

.06134 

.170 

.08853 

.019 

.00347 

.057 

.01783 

.095 

.03790 

.133 

.06202 

.171 

.08928 

.020 

.00374 

.058 

.01829 

.096 

.03849 

.134 

.06270 

.172 

.09004 

.021 

.00403 

.059 

.01876 

.097 

.03908 

.135 

.06338 

.173 

.09079 

.022 

.00432 

.060 

.01923 

.098 

.03968 

.136 

.06407 

.174 

.09155' 

.023 

.00461 

.061 

.01971 

.099 

.04027 

.137 

.06476 

.175 

.09231 

.024 

.00492 

.062 

.02019 

.100 

.04087 

.138 

.06544 

.176 

.09307 

.025 

.00523 

.063 

.02068 

.101 

.04147 

.139 

.06614 

.177 

.09383 

.026 

.00554 

.064 

.02116 

.102 

.04208 

.140 

.06683 

.178 

.09460 

.027 

.00586 

.065 

.02165 

.103 

.04268 

.141 

.06752 

.179 

.09536 

.028 

.00619 

.066 

.02215 

.104 

.04329 

.142 

.06822 

.180 

.09613 

.029 

.00652 

.067 

.02265 

.105 

.04390 

.143 

.06892 

.181 

.09690 

.030 

.00686 

.068 

.02315 

.106 

.04452 

.144 

.06962 

.182 

.09767 

.031 

.00720 

.069 

.02365 

.107 

.04513 

.145 

.07032 

.183 

.09844 

.032 

.00755 

.070 

.02416 

.108 

.04575 

.146 

.07103 

.184 

.09922 

.033 

.00791 

.071 

.02468 

.109 

.04638 

.147 

.07174 

.185 

.09999 

.034 

.00827 

.072 

.02519 

.110 

.04700 

.148 

.07245 

.186 

.10077 

.035 

.00863 

.073 

.02571 

.111 

.04763 

.149 

.07316 

187 

.10155 

.036 

.00900 

.074 

.02623 

.112 

.04826 

.150 

.07387 

.188 

.10233 

.037 

.00938 

.075 

.02676 

.113 

.04889 

.151 

.07458 

189 

.10311 

.038 

.00976 

.076 

.02728 

.114 

.04952 

.152 

.07530 

190 

.10390 


























AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 57 


V’rs’d 

Sine 

Area of 
Segment 

V’rs’d 

Sine 

Area of 
Segment 

V’rs’d 

Sine 

Area of 
Segment 

V’rs’d 

Sine 

Area of 
3egment 

V’rs’d 

Sine 

Area of 
Segment 

.191 

.10468 

.240 

.14494 

.289 

.18814 

.338 

.23358 

.387 

.28066 

.192 

.10547 

.241 

.14579 

.290 

.18904 

.339 

.23452 

.388 

.28164 

.193 

.10626 

.242 

.14665 

.291 

.18995 

.340 

.23547 

.389 

.28261 

.194 

.10705 

.243 

.14751 

.292 

.19086 

.341 

.23642 

.390 

.28359 

.195 

.10784 

.244 

.14837 

.293 

.19177 

.342 

.23736 

.391 

.28456 

.196 

.10863 

.245 

.14923 

.294 

.19268 

.343 

.23831 

.392 

.28554 

.197 

.10943 

.246 

.15009 

.295 

.19359 

.344 

.23926 

.393 

.28652 

.198 

.11022 

.247 

.15095 

.296 

.19450 

.345 

.24021 

.394 

.28749 

.199 

.11102 

.248 

.15181 

.297 

.19542 

.346 

.24116 

.395 

.28847 

.200 

.11182 

.249 

.15268 

.298 

.19633 

.347 

.24212 

.396 

.28945 

.201 

.11262 

.250 

.15354 

.299 

.19725 

.348 

.24307 

.397 

.29043 

.202 

.11342 

.251 

.15441 

.300 

.19816 

.349 

.24402 

.398 

.29141 

.203 

.11423 

.252 

.15528 

.301 

.19908 

.350 

.24498 

.399 

.29239 

.204 

.11503 

.253 

.15614 

.302 

.20000 

.351 

.24593 

.400 

.29336 

.205 

.11584 

.254 

.15701 

.303 

.20092 

.352 

.24688 

.401 

.29434 

.206 

.11665 

.255 

.15789 

.304 

.20184 

.253 

.24784 

.402 

.29533 

.207 

.11746 

.256 

.15876 

.305 

.20276 

.354 

.24880 

403 

.29631 

.208 

.11827 

.257 

.15963 

.306 

.20368 

.355 

.24975 

.404 

.29729 

.209 

.11908 

.258 

.16051 

.307 

.20460 

.356 

.25071 

.405 

.29827 

.210 

.11989 

.259 

.16138 

.308 

.20552 

.357 

.25167 

.406 

.29925 

.211 

.12071 

260 

.16226 

.309 

.20645 

.358 

.25263 

.407 

.30023 

.212 

.12152 

.261 

.16314 

310 

.20737 

359 

.25359 

.408 

.30122 

.213 

.12234 

.262 

.16401 

.311 

,20830 

.360 

25455 

.409 

.30220 

.214 

.12316 

.263 

.16489 

.312 

.20922 

.361 

.25551 

.410 

.30318 

.215 

.12398 

.264 

.16578 

.313 

.21015 

.362 

.25647 

.411 

.30417 

.216 

.12481 

.265 

.16666 

.314 

.21108 

.363 

.25743 

.412 

.30515 

.217 

.12563 

.266 

.16754 

.315 

.21201 

.364 

.25839 

.413 

.30614 

.218 

.12645 

.267 

.16843 

.316 

.21294 

.365 

.25935 

.414 

.30712 

.219 

.12728 

.268 

.16931 

.317 

.21387 

.366 

.26032 

.415 

.30811 

,220 

.12811 

.269 

.17020 

.318 

.21480 

.367 

.26128 

.416 

.30909 

.221 

.12894 

.270 

.17108 

.319 

.21573 

.368 

.26224 

.417 

.31008 

.222 

.12977 

.271 

.17197 

.320 

.21666 

.369 

.26321 

.418 

.31106 

.223 

.13060 

.272 

.17286 

.321 

.21759 

.370 

.26417 

.419 

.31205 

.224 

.13143 

.273 

.17375 

.322 

.21853 

.371 

.26514 

.420 

.31304 

.225 

.13227 

.274 

.17464 

.323 

.21946 

.372 

.26611 

.421 

.31402 

.226 

.13310 

.275 

.17554 

.324 

.22040 

.373 

.26707 

.422 

.31501 

.227 

.13394 

.276 

.17643 

.325 

.22134 

.374 

.26804 

.423 

.31600 

.228 

.13478 

.277 

.17733 

.326 

.22227 

.375 

.26901 

.424 

.31699 

.229 

.13562 

.278 

.17822 

.327 

.22321 

.376 

.26998 

.425 

.31798 

.230 

.13646 

.279 

.17912 

.328 

.22415 

.377 

.27095 

.426 

.31897 

.231 

.13730 

.280 

.18001 

.329 

.22509 

.378 

.27192 

.427 

.31995 

.232 

.13815 

.281 

.18091 

.330 

.22603 

.379 

.27289 

.428 

.32094 

.233 

.13899 

.282 

.18181 

.331 

.22697 

.380 

.27386 

.429 

.32193 

334 

.13984 

.283 

.18271 

.332 

.22791 

.381 

.27483 

.430 

.32292 

.235 

.14068 

.284 

.18361 

.333 

.22885 

.382 

.27580 

.431 

.32391 

.236 

.14153 

.285 

.18452 

.334 

.22980 

.383 

.27677 

.432 

.32490 

.237 

.14238 

.286 

.18542 

.335 

.23074 

.384 

.27774 

.433 

.32590 

.238 

.14323 

.287 

.18632 

.336 

.23168 

.385 

.27872 

.434 

.32689 

239 

.14409 

288 

.18723 

.337 

.23263 

.386 

.27969 

.435 

.32788 






















58 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


V’rs’d 

Sine 

Area of 
Segment 

V’rs’d 

Sine 

Area of 
Segment 

V’rs’d 

Sine 

Area of 
Segment 

V’rs’d 

Sine 

Area of 
Segment 

V’rs’d 

Sine 

Area of 
Segment 

.436 

.32887 

.449 

.34178 

.462 

.35473 

.475 

.36770 

.488 

.38070 

.437 

.32986 

.450 

.34278 

.463 

.35573 

.476 

.36870 

.489 

.38169 

.438 

.33085 

.451 

.34377 

.464 

.35673 

.477 

.36970 

.490 

.38269 

.439 

.33185 

.452 

.34477 

.465 

.35772 

.478 

.37070 

.491 

.38369 

.440 

.33284 

.453 

.34576 

.466 

.35872 

.479 

.37170 

.492 

.38469 

.441 

.33383 

.454 

.34676 

.467 

.35972 

.480 

.37270 

.493 

.38569 

.442 

.33482 

.455 

.34775 

.468 

.36072 

.481 

.37370 

.494 

.38669 

.443 

.33582 

.456 

.34875 

.469 

.36171 

.482 

.37470 

.495 

.38769 

.444 

.33681 

.457 

.34975 

.470 

.36271 

.483 

.37570 

.496 

.38869 

.445 

.33781 

.458 

.35074 

.471 

.36371 

.484 

.37670 

.497 

.38969 

.446 

.33880 

.459 

.35174 

.472 

.36471 

.485 

.37770 

.498 

.39069 

.447 

.33979 

.460 

.35274 

.473 

.36571 

.486 

.37870 

.499 

.39169 

.448 

.34079 

.461 

.35373 

.474 

.36671 

.487 

.37970 

.500 

.39269 


USE OF THE ABOVE TABLE 

To find the area of a segment of a circle. 

Rule. —Divide the height, or versed sine, by the 
diameter of the circle, and find the quotient in the 
column of versed sines. 

Then take out the corresponding area, in the next 
column on the right hand, and multiply it by the 
square of the diameter; this will give the area of the 
segment. 

Example. —Required the area of a segment of a cir¬ 
cle, whose height is feet, and the diameter of the 
circle 50 feet? 

31=3.25; and 3.25=50=.065. 

.065, as per table=.021659; and .021659X50 2 =54.147500, the 
area required. 

Approximating rule to find the area of a segment of a 
circle. 

Ride. —Multiply the chord of the segment by the 
versed sine, divide the product by 3, and multiply the 
remainder by 2. 

Cube the height, or versed sine, find how often twice 
the length of the chord is contained in it, and add the 
quotient to the former product; this will give the area 
of the segment, very nearly. 

Example. —Required the area of the segment of a 
circle, the chord being 12, and the versed sine 2. 

12X2=24; 24^-3=8; and 8x2=16. 

2 3 -r-24=.3333. 

Hence 16-}-.3333= 16.3333, the area of the segment, very nearly. 



















AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


59 


TABLE OF THE AREAS OF THE ZONES OF A CIRCLE 


V’rs’d 

Sine 

Area of 
Segment 

V’rs’d 

Sine 

Area of 
Segment 

V’rs’d 

Sine 

Area of 
Segment 

vers’d 

Sine 

Area of 
Segment 

V’rs’d 

Sine 

Area of 
Segment 

.001 

.00100 

.044 

.04394 

.087 

.08655 

.130 

.12852 

.173 

.16948 

.002 

.00200 

.045 

.04494 

.088 

.08754 

.131 

.12948 

.174 

.17042 

.003 

.00300 

.046 

.04593 

.089 

.08852 

.132 

.13045 

.175 

.17135 

.004 

.00400 

.047 

.04693 

.090 

.08951 

.133 

.13141 

.176 

.17229 

.005 

.00500 

.048 

.04792 

.091 

.09049 

.134 

.13237 

.177 

.17323 

.006 

.00600 

.049 

.04892 

.092 

.09147 

.135 

.13334 

.178 

.17416 

.007 

.00700 

.050 

.04991 

.093 

.09246 

.136 

.13430 

.179 

.17510 

.008 

.00800 

.051 

.05091 

.094 

.09344 

.137 

.13526 

.180 

.17603 

.009 

.00900 

.052 

.05190 

.095 

.09442 

.138 

.13622 

.181 

.17696 

.010 

.01000 

.053 

.05290 

.096 

.09540 

.139 

.13718 

.182 

.17789 

.011 

.01100 

.054 

.05389 

.097 

.09638 

.140 

.13814 

.183 

.17882 

.012 

.01199 

.055 

.05489 

.098 

.09736 

.141 

.13910 

.184 

.17975 

.013 

.01299 

.056 

.0558S 

.099 

.09835 

.142 

.14006 

.185 

.18068 

.014 

.01399 

.057 

.05687 

.100 

.09933 

.143 

.14102 

.186 

.18161 

.015 

.01499 

.058 

.05787 

.101 

.10030 

.144 

.14198 

.187 

.18254 

.016 

.01599 

059 

.05886 

.102 

.10128 

.145 

.14294 

.188 

.18347 

.017 

.01699 

.060 

.05985 

.103 

.10226 

.146 

.14389 

.189 

.18439 

.018 

.01799 

.061 

.06084 

.104 

.10324 

.147 

.14485 

.190 

.18532 

.019 

.01899 

.062 

.06184 

.105 

.10422 

.148 

.14581 

.191 

.18624 

.020 

.01999 

.063 

.06283 

.106 

.10520 

.149 

.14676 

.192 

.18717 

.021 

.02099 

.064 

.06382 

.107 

.10617 

.150 

.14771 

.193 

.18809 

.022 

.02199 

.065 

.06481 

.108 

.10715 

.151 

.14867 

.194 

.18901 

.023 

.02299 

.066 

.06580 

.109 

.10813 

.152 

.14962 

.195 

.18993 

.024 

.02399 

.067 

.06679 

.110 

.10910 

.153 

.15057 

.196 

.19085 

.025 

.02499 

.068 

.06779 

.111 

.11008 

.154 

.15153 

.197 

.19177 

.026 

.02598 

.069 

.06878 

.112 

.11105 

.155 

.15248 

.198 

.19269 

.027 

.02698 

.070 

.06977 

.113 

.11203 

.156 

.15343 

.199 

.19361 

.028 

.02798 

.071 

.07076 

.114 

.11300 

.157 

.15438 

.200 

.19453 

.029 

.02898 

.072 

.07175 

.115 

.11397 

.158 

.15533 

.201 

.19544 

.030 

.02998 

.073 

.07274 

.116 

.11495 

.159 

.15627 

.202 

.19636 

.031 

.03098 

.074 

.07372 

.117 

.11592 

.160 

.15722 

.203 

.19727 

.032 

.03197 

.075 

.07471 

.118 

.11689 

.161 

.15817 

.204 

.19819 

.033 

.03297 

.076 

.07570 

.119 

.11786 

.162 

.15911 

.205 

.19910 

.034 

.03397 

.077 

.07669 

.120 

.11883 

.163 

.16006 

.206 

.20001 

.035 

.03497 

.078 

.07768 

.121 

.11980 

.164 

.16101 

.207 

.20092 

.036 

.03596 

.079 

.07867 

.122 

.12077 

.165 

.16195 

.208 

.20183 

.037 

.03696 

.080 

.07965 

.123 

.12174 

.166 

.16289 

.209 

.20274 

.038 

.03796 

.081 

.08064 

.124 

.12271 

.167 

.16384 

.210 

.20365 

.039 

.03896 

.082 

.08163 

.125 

.12368 

.168 

.16478 

.211 

.20455 

.040 

.03995 

.083 

.08261 

.126 

.12465 

.169 

.16572 

.212 

.20546 

.041 

.04095 

.084 

.08360 

.127 

.12562 

.170 

.16666 

.213 

.20637 

.042 

.04195 

.085 

.08458 

.128 

.12658 

.171 

.16760 

.214 

.20727 

.043 

.04294 

.086 

.08557 

.129 

.12755 

.172 

.16854 

.215 

.20817 






















6o 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


V’rs’d 

Bine 

Area of 
Segment 

V’rs’d 

Sine 

A rea o f 
Segm ent 

V’rs’d 

Sine 

Area of 
Segment 

V’rs’d 
Sine 

Area of 
Segment 

V’rs’d 

Sine 

Area of 
Segment 

.216 

.20908 

.265 

.25201 

.314 

.29192 

.363 

.32793 

.412 

.35882 

.217 

.20998 

.266 

.25285 

.315 

.29270 

.364 

.32862 

.413 

.35939 

.218 

.21088 

.267 

.25370 

.316 

.29347 

.365 

.32931 

.414 

.35995 

.219 

.21178 

.268 

.25454 

.317 

.29425 

.366 

.32999 

.415 

.36051 

.220 

.21268 

.269 

.25539 

.318 

.29502 

.367 

.33067 

.416 

.36107 

.221 

.21357 

.270 

.25623 

.319 

.29579 

.368 

.33135 

.417 

.36162 

.222 

.21447 

.271 

.25707 

.320 

.29656 

.369 

.33202 

.418 

.36217 

.223 

.21536 

.272 

.25791 

.321 

.29733 

.370 

.33270 

.419 

.36272 

.224 

.21626 

.273 

.25875 

.322 

.29809 

.371 

.33337 

.420 

.36326 

.225 

.21715 

.274 

.25959 

.323 

.29886 

.372 

.33404 

.421 

.36380 

.226 

.21805 

.275 

.26042 

.324 

.29962 

.373 

.33470 

.422 

.36434 

.227 

.21894 

.276 

.26126 

.325 

.30038 

.374 

.33537 

.423 

.36487 

.228 

.21983 

.277 

.26209 

.326 

.30114 

.375 

.33603 

.424 

.36541 

.229 

.22072 

.278 

.26292 

.327 

.30190 

.376 

.33669 

.425 

.36593 

.230 

.22161 

.279 

.26375 

.328 

.30265 

.377 

.33735 

.426 

.36646 

.231 

.22249 

.280 

.26458 

.329 

.30341 

.378 

.33801 

.427 

.36698 

.232 

.22335 

.281 

.26541 

.330 

.30416 

.379 

.33866 

.428 

.36750 

.233 

.22426 

.282 

.26624 

.331 

.30491 

.380 

.33931 

.429 

.36801 

.234 

.22515 

.283 

.26706 

.332 

.30566 

.381 

.33996 

.430 

.36853 

.235 

.22603 

.284 

.26788 

.333 

.30641 

.382 

.34060 

.431 

.36904 

.236 

.22691 

.285 

.26871 

.334 

.30715 

.383 

.34125 

.432 

.36954 

.237 

.22780 

.286 

.26953 

.335 

.30789 

.384 

.34189 

.433 

.37004 

.238 

.22868 

.287 

.27035 

.336 

.30864 

.385 

.34253 

.434 

.37054 

.239 

.22955 

.288 

.27171 

.337 

.30937 

.386 

.34317 

.435 

.37104 

.240 

.23043 

.289 

.27198 

.338 

.31011 

.387 

.34380 

.436 

.37153 

.241 

.23131 

.290 

.27280 

.339 

.31085 

.388 

.34443 

.437 

.37201 

.242 

.23218 

.291 

.27361 

.340 

.31158 

.389 

.34506 

.438 

.37250 

.243 

.23306 

.292 

.27442 

.341 

.31231 

.390 

.34569 

.439 

.37298 

.244 

.23393 

.293 

.27523 

.342 

.31305 

.391 

.34631 

.440 

.37346 

.245 

.23480 

.294 

.27604 

.343 

.31377 

.392 

.34694 

.441 

.37393 

.246 

.23568 

.295 

.27685 

.344 

.31450 

.393 

.34756 

.442 

.37440 

.247 

.23655 

.296 

.27766 

.345 

.31523 

.394 

.34817 

.443 

.37486 

.248 

.23741 

.297 

.27846 

.346 

.31595 

.395 

.34879 

.444 

.37533 

.249 

.23828 

.298 

.27927 

.347 

.31667 

.396 

.34940 

.445 

.37578 

.250 

.23915 

.299 

.28007 

.348 

.31739 

.397 

.35001 

.446 

.37624 

.251 

.24001 

.300 

.28087 

.349 

.31811 

.398 

.35061 

.447 

.37669 

.252 

.24088 

.301 

.28167 

.350 

.31882 

.399 

.35122 

.448 

.37713 

.253 

.24174 

.302 

.28247 

.351 

.31953 

.400 

.35182 

.449 

.37758 

.254 

.24260 

.303 

.28326 

.352 

.32024 

.401 

.35242 

.450 

.37801 

.255 

.24346 

.304 

.28406 

.353 

.32095 

.402 

.35301 

.451 

.37845 

.256 

.2443,2 

.305 

.28485 

.354 

.32166 

.403 

.35361 

.452 

.37888 

.257 

.24518 

.306 

.28564 

.355 

.32237 

.404 

.35420 

.453 

.37930 

.258 

.24604 

.307 

.28643 

.356 

.32307 

.405 

.35479 

.454 

.37972 

.259 

.24690 

.308 

.28722 

.357 

.32377 

.406 

.35537 

.455 

.38014 

.260 

.24775 

.309 

.28801 

.358 

.32447 

.407 

.35595 

.456 

.38055 

.261 

.24860 

.310 

.28879 

.359 

.32^17 

.408 

.35653 

.457 

.38096 

.262 

.24946 

.311 

.28958 

.360 

.32£o6 

.409 

.35711 

.458 

.38136 

.263 

.25021 

.312 

.29036 

.361 

.32655 

.410 

.35768 

.459 

.38176 

.264 

.25116 

.313 

.29114 

.362 

.32725 

.411 

.35825 

.460 

.38216 




































AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 61 


V’rs’d 

Sine 

Area of 
Segment 

V’rs’d 

Sine 

Area of 
Segment 

V’rs’d 

Sine 

Area of 
Segment 

V’rs’d 

Sine 

Area of 
Segment 

V’rs’d 

Sine 

Area of 
Segment 

.461 

.38255 

.469 

.38549 

.477 

.38808 

.485 

.39026 

.493 

.39120 

.462 

.38293 

.470 

.38583 

.478 

.38837 

.486 

.39050 

.494 

.39208 

.463 

.38331 

.471 

.38617 

.479 

.38866 

.487 

.39073 

.495 

.39222 

.464 

.38369 

.472 

.38650 

.480 

.38895 

.488 

.39095 

.496 

.39236 

.465 

.38406 

.473 

.38683 

.481 

.38922 

.489 

.39116 

.497 

.39248 

.466 

.38442 

.474 

.38715 

.482 

.38949 

.490 

.39137 

.498 

.39258 

.467 

.38478 

.475 

.38746 

.483 

.38975 

.491 

.39156 

.499 

.39265 

.468 

.38514 

.476 

.38777 

.484 

.39001 

.492 

.39174 

.500 

.39269 


USE OF THE ABOVE TABLE 

To find the area of a circular zone. 

Rule i .—When the zone is less than a semicircle, 
divide the height by the longest chord, and seek the 
quotient in the column of versed sines. Take out the 
corresponding area, in the next column on the right 
hand, and multiply it by the square of the longest 
chord; the product will be the area of the zone. 

Example .—Required the area of a zone, whose long¬ 
est chord is 50, and height 15. 

15-*-50=.300; and .300, as per table=.28087. 

Hence, .28087X50 2 =702.19, the area of the zone. 

Rule 2 .— When the zone is greater than a semicircle , take 
the height on each side of the diameter of the circle, 
and find, by Rule 1 , their respective areas; the areas 
of these two portions, added together, will be the area 
of the zone. 

Example .—Required the area of a zone, the diameter 
of the circle being 50, and the height of the zone on 
each side of the line which passes through the diam¬ 
eter of the circle 20 and 15, respectively. 

20-*-50= .400; .400, as per table=.35182; and .35182X50 2 = 
879.56. 

15-*-50= .300; .300, as per table=.28087; and .28087X50 2 = 
702 19 

Hence, 879.56+702.19=1581.75. 





















62 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


TABLE OF THE PROPORTIONS OF THE LENGTHS OF 

CIRCULAR ARCS 


H’ght 

Length 

H’ght 

Length 

H’ght 

Length 

H’ght 

Length 

I H’ght 

Length 

of Arc 

of Arc 

of Arc 

of Arc 

of Arc 

of Arc 

of Arc 

of Arc 

f of Arc 

of Arc 

.100 

1.0265 

.144 

1.0544 

.188 

1.0917 

.232 

1 1379 

.276 

1.1921 

.101 

1.0270 

.145 

1.0552 

.189 

1.0927 

.233 

1.1390 

.277 

1 1934 

.102 

1.0275 

.146 

1.0559 

.190 

1.0936 

.234 

1.1402 

.278 

1.1948 

.103 

1.0281 

.147 

1.0567 

.191 

1.0946 

.235 

1.1414 

.279 

1.1961 

.104 

1.0286 

.148 

1.0574 

.192 

1.0956 

.236 

1.1425 

.280 

1.1974 

.105 

1.0291 

.149 

1.0582 

.193 

1.0965 

.237 

1.1436 

.281 

1.1989 

.106 

1.0297 

.150 

1.0590 

.194 

1.0975 

.238 

1.1448 

.282 

1.2001 

.107 

1.0303 

.151 

1.0597 

.195 

1.0985 

.239 

1.1460 

.283 

1.2015 

.108 

1.0308 

.152 

1.0605 

.196 

1.0995 

.240 

1.1471 

.284 

1.2028 

.109 

1.0314 

.153 

1.0613 

.197 

1.1005 

.241 

1.1483 

.285 

1.2042 

.110 

1.0320 

.154 

1.0621 

.198 

1.1015 

.242 

1.1495 

.286 

1.2056 

.111 

1.0325 

.155 

1.0629 

.199 

1.1025 

.243 

1.1507 

.287 

1.2070 

.112 

1.0331 

.156 

1.0637 

.200 

1.1035 

.244 

1.1519 

.288 

1.2083 

.113 

1.0337 

.157 

1.0645 

.201 

1.1045 

.245 

1.1531 

.289 

1.2097 

.114 

1.0343 

.158 

1.0653 

.202 

1.1055 

.246 

1.1543 

.290 

1.2120 

.115 

1.0349 

.159 

1.0661 

.203 

1.1065 

.247 

1.1555 

.291 

1.2124 

.116 

1.0355 

.160 

1.0669 

.204 

1.1075 

.248 

1.1567 

.292 

1.2138 

.117 

1.0361 

.161 

1.0678 

.205 

1.1085 

.249 

1.1579 

.293 

1.2152 

.118 

1.0367 

.162 

1.0686 

.206 

1.1096 

.250 

1.1591 

.294 

1.2166 

.119 

1.0373 

.163 

1.0694 

.207 

1.1006 

.251 

1.1603 

.295 

1.2179 

.120 

1.0380 

.164 

1.0703 

.208 

1.1117 

.252 

1.1616 

.296 

1.2193 

.121 

1.0386 

.165 

1.0711 

.209 

1.1127 

.253 

1.1628 

.297 

1.2206 

.122 

1.0392 

.166 

1.0719 

.210 

1.1137 

.254 

1.1640 

.298 

1.2220 

.123 

1.0399 

.167 

1.0728 

.211 

1.1148 

.255 

1.1653 

.299 

1.2235 

.124 

1.0405 

.168 

1.0737 

.212 

1.1158 

.256 

1.1665 

.300 

1.2250 

.125 

1.0412 

.169 

1.0745 

.213 

1.1169 

.257 

1.1677 

.301 

1.2264 

.126 

1.0418 

.170 

1.0754 

.214 

1.1180 

.258 

1.1690 

.302 

1.2278 

.127 

1.0425 

.171 

1.07C2 

.215 

1.1190 

.259 

1.1702 

.303 

1.2292 

.128 

1.0431 

.172 

1.0771 

.216 

1.1201 

.260 

1.1715 

.304 

1.2306 

.129 

1.0438 

.173 

1.0780 

.217 

1.1212 

.261 

1.1728 

.305 

1.2321 

.130 

1.0445 

.174 

1.0789 

.218 

1.1223 

.262 

1.1740 

.306 

1.2335 

.131 

1.0452 

.175 

1.0798 

.219 

1.1233 

.263 

1.1753 

.307 

1.2349 

.132 

1.0458 

.176 

1.0807 

.220 

1.1245 

.264 

1.1766 

.308 

1.2364 

.133 

1.0465 

.177 

1.0816 

.221 

1.1256 

.265 

1.1778 

.309 

1.2378 

.134 

1.0472 

.178 

1.0825 

.222 

1.1266 

.266 

1.1791 

.310 

1.2393 

.135 

1.0479 

.179 

1.0834 

.223 

1.1277 

.267 

1.1804 

.311 

1.2407 

.136 

1.0486 

.180 

1.0843 

.224 

1.1289 

.268 

1.1816 

.312 

1.2422 

.137 

1.0493 

.181 

1.0852 

.225 

1.1300 

.269 

1.1829 

.313 

1.2436 

.138 

1.0500 

.182 

1.0861 

.226 

1.1311 

.270 

1.1843 

.314 

1.2451 

.139 

1.0508 

.183 

1.0870 

.227 

1.1322 

.271 

1.1856 

.315 

1.2465 

.140 

1.0515 

.184 

1.0880 

.228 

1.1333 

.272 

1.1869 

.316 

1.2480 

.141 

1.0522 

.185 

1.0889 

.229 

1.1344 

.273 

1.1882 

.317 

1.2495 

.142 

1.0529 

.186 

1.0898 

.230 

1.1356 

.274 

1.1897 

.318 

1.2510 

.143 

1.0537 

.187 

1.0908 

.231 

1.1367 

.275 

1.1908 

.319 

1.2524 




















AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


6 * 


H’ght 
of Arc 

Length 
of Arc 

H’ght 
of Arc 

Length 
of Arc 

H’cht 
of Arc 

Length 
of Arc 

H’ght 
of Arc 

Length 
of Arc 

H’ght 
of Arc 

Length 
of Arc 

.320 

1.2539 

.357 

1.3112 

.393 

1.3711 

.429 

1.4349 

.465 

1.5022 

.321 

1.2554 

.358 

1.312S 

.394 

1.3728 

.430 

1.4367 

.466 

1.5042 

.322 

1.2569 

.359 

1.3144 

.395 

1.3746 

.431 

1.4386 

.467 

1.5061 

.323 

1.2584 

.360 

1.3160 

.396 

1.3763 

.432 

1.4404 

.468 

1.5080 

.324 

1.2599 

.361 

1.3176 

.397 

1.3780 

.433 

1.4422 

.469 

1.5099 

.325 

1.2614 

.362 

1.3192 

.398 

1.3797 

.434 

1.4441 

.470 

1.5119 

.326 

1.2629 

.363 

1.3209 

.399 

1.3815 

.435 

1.4459 

.471 

1.5138 

.327 

1.2644 

.364 

1.3225 

.400 

1.3832 

.436 

1.4477 

.472 

1.5157 

.328 

1.2659 

.365 

1.3241 

.401 

1.3850 

.437 

1.4496 

.473 

1.5176 

.329 

1.2674 

.366 

1.3258 

.402 

1.3867 

.438 

1.4514 

.474 

1.5196 

.330 

1.2689 

.367 

1.3274 

.403 

1.3885 

.439 

1.4533 

.475 

1.5215 

.331 

1.2704 

.368 

1.3291 

.404 

1.3902 

.440 

1.4551 

.476 

1.5235 

.332 

1.2720 

.369 

1.3307 

.405 

1.3920 

.441 

1.4570 

.477 

1.5254 

.333 

1.2735 

.370 

1.3323 

.406 

1.3937 

.442 

1.4588 

.478 

1.5274 

.334 

1.2750 

.371 

1.3340 

.407 

1.3955 

.443 

1.4607 

.479 

1.5293 

.335 

1.2766 

.372 

1.3356 

.408 

1.3972 

.444 

1.4626 

.480 

1 5313 

.336 

1.2781 

.373 

1.3373 

.409 

1.3990 

.445 

1.4644 

.481 

1.5332 

.337 

1.2786 

.374 

1.3390 

.410 

1.4008 

.446 

1.4663 

.482 

1.5352 

.338 

1.2812 

.375 

1.3406 

.411 

1.4025 

.447 

1.4682 

.483 

1.5371 

.339 

1.2827 

.376 

1.3423 

.412 

1.4043 

.448 

1.4700 

.484 

1.5391 

.340 

1.2843 

.377 

1.3440 

.413 

1.4061 

.449 

1.4719 

.485 

1.5411 

.341 

1.2858 

.378 

1.3456 

.414 

1.4079 

.450 

1.4738 

.486 

1.5430 

.342 

1.2874 

.379 

1.3473 

.415 

1.4097 

.451 

1.4757 

.487 

1.5450 

.343 

1.2890 

.380 

1.3490 

.416 

1.4115 

.452 

1.4775 

.488 

1.5470 

.344 

1.2905 

.381 

1.3507 

.417 

1.4132 

.453 

1.4794 

.489 

1.5489 

.345 

1.2921 

.382 

1.3524 

.418 

1.4150 

.454 

1.4813 

.490 

1.5509 

.346 

1.2937 

.383 

1.3541 

.419 

1.4168 

.455 

1.4832 

.491 

1.5529 

.347 

1.2952 

.384 

1.3558 

.420 

1.4186 

.456 

1.4851 

.492 

1.5549 

.348 

1.2968 

.385 

1.3574 

.421 

1.4204 

.457 

1.4870 

.493 

1.5569 

.349 

1.2984 

.386 

1.3591 

.422 

1.4222 

.458 

1.4889 

.494 

1.5585 

.350 

1.3000 

.387 

1.3608 

.423 

1.4240 

.459 

1.4908 

.495 

1.5608 

.351 

1.3016 

.388 

1.3625 

.424 

1.4258 

.460 

1.4927 

.496 

1.5628 

.352 

1.3032 

.389 

1.3643 

.425 

1.4276 

.461 

1.4946 

.497 

1.5648 

.353 

1.3047 

.390 

1.3660 

.426 

1.4295 

.462 

1.4965 

.498 

1.5668 

.354 

1.3063 

.391 

1.3677 

.427 

1.4313 

.463 

1.4984 

.499 

1.5688 

.355 

.356 

1.3079 

1.3095 

.392 

1.3694 

.428 

1.4331 

.464 

1.5003 

.500 

1.5708 


To find the length of an arc of a circle by the fore¬ 
going table. 

Rule .—Divide the height by the base, and the quo¬ 
tient will be the height of an arc, of which the base is 
unity. Seek in the table for a number corresponding 
to the quotient, and take the length of that height 
from the next right-hand column. Multiply the num¬ 
ber, thus found, by the base of the arc, and the product 
will be the length of the arc or curve required. 


























64 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


Example .—The profiles of the intradoses of the 
arches of a bridge are each a semi-ellipse; the span of 
the middle arch is 150 feet, and the height 38 feet: 
required the length of the curve. 

38-f-150=.253, and .253, as per table=1.1628. 

Hence 1.1628X150=174.4200, the length required. 

TABLE OF THE PROPORTIONS OF THE LENGTHS OF 

SEMI-ELLIPTIC ARCS 


H’ght 
of Arc 

Length 
of Arc 

H’ght 
of Arc 

Length 
of Arc 

H’ght 
of Arc 

Length 
of Arc 

H ght 
of Arc 

Length 
of Arc 

H’ght 
of Arc 

Length 
of Arc 

.100 

1.0416 

.265 

1.2306 

.450 

1.4931 

.635 

1.7850 

.820 

2.0971 

.101 

1.0426 

.270 

1.2371 

.455 

1.5008 

.640 

1.7931 

.825 

2.1060 

.102 

1.0436 

.275 

1.2436 

.460 

1.5084 

.645 

1.8013 

.830 

2.1148 

.103 

1.0446 

.280 

1.2501 

.465 

1.5161 

.650 

1.8094 

:835 

2.1237 

.104 

1.0456 

.285 

1.2567 

.470 

1.5238 

.655 

1.8176 

.840 

2.1326 

.105 

1.0466 

.290 

1.2634 

.475 

1.5316 

.660 

118258 

.845 

2.1416 

.110 

1.0516 

.295 

1.2700 

.480 

1.5394 

.665 

1.8340 

.850 

2.1505 

.115 

1.0567 

.300 

1.2767 

.485 

1.5472 

.670 

1.8423 

.855 

2.1595 

,120 

1.0618 

.305 

1.2834 

.490 

1.5550 

.675 

1.8505 

.860* 

2.1685 

.125 

1.0669 

.310 

1.2901 

.495 

1.5629 

.680 

1.8587 

.865 

3.1775 

.130 

1.0720 

.315 

1.2960 

.500 

1.5709 

.685 

1.8670 

.870 

2.1866 

.135 

1.0773 

.320 

1.3038 

.505 

1.5785 

.690 

1.8753 

.875 

2.1956 

.140 

1.0825 

.325 

1.3106 

.510 

1.5863 

.695 

1.8836 

.880 

2.2047 

.145 

1.0879 

.330 

1.3175 

.515 

1.5941 

.700 

1.8919 

885 

2.2139 

,150 

1.0933 

.335 

1.3244 

.520 

1.6019 

.705 

1.9002 

.890 

2.2230 

.155 

1.0989 

.340 

1.3313 

.525 

1.6097 

.710 

1.9085 

.895 

2.2322 

.160 

1.1045 

.345 

1.3383 

.530 

1.6175 

.715 

1.9169 

.900 

2.2414 

.165 

1.1106 

.350 

1.3454 

.535 

1.6253 

.720 

1.9253 

.905 

2.2506 

.170 

1.1157 

.355 

1.3525 

.540 

1.6331 

.725 

1.9337 

.910 

2.2597 

.175 

1.1213 

.360 

1.3597 

.545 

1.6409 

.730 

1.9422 

.915 

2.2689 

.180 

1.1270 

.365 

1.3669 

.550 

1.6488 

.735 

1.9506 

.920 

2.2780 

.185 

1.1327 

.370 

1.3741 

.555 

1.6567 

.740 

1.9599 

.925 

2.2872 

.190 

1.1384 

.375 

1.3815 

.560 

1.6646 

.745 

1.9675 

:930 

2.2964 

.195 

1.1442 

.380 

1.3888 

.565 

1.6725 

750 

1.9760 

.935 

2.3056 

.200 

1.1501 

.385 

1.3961 

.570 

1.6804 

.755 

1.9845 

.940 

2.3148 

.205 

1.1560 

.390 

1.4034 

.575 

1.6883 

.760 

1,9931 

.945 

2.3241 

.210 

1.1620 

.395 

1.4107 

.580 

1.6963 

.765 

2.0016 

.950 

2.3335 

.215 

1.1680 

.400 

1.4180 

.585 

1.7042 

.770 

2.0102 

.955 

2.3429 

.220 

1.1741 

.405 

1.4253 

.590 

1.7123 

.775 

2.0187 

.960 

2.3524 

.225 

1.1802 

.410 

1.4327 

.595 

1.7203 

.780 

2.0273 

.965 

2.3619 

.230 

1.1864 

.415 

1.4402 

.600 

1.7283 

.785 

2.0360 

.970 

2.3714 

.235 

1.1926 

.420 

1.4476 

.605 

1.7364 

.790 

2.0446 

.975 

2.3810 

.240 

1.1989 

.425 

1.4552 

.610 

1.7444 

.795 

2.0533 

.980 

2.3906 

.245 

1.2051 

.430 

1.4627 

.615 

1.7525 

.800 

2.0620 

.985 

2.4002 

.250 

1.2114 

.435 

1.4702 

.620 

1.7606 

.805 

2.0708 

.990 

2.4098 

.255 

1.2177 

.440 

1.4778 

.625 

1.7687 

.810 

2.0795 

.995 

2.4194 

.260 

1.2241 

.445 

1.4854 

.630 

1.7768 

.815 

2.0883 

.1000 

2.4291 






























AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


65 


To find the length of the curve of a right semi-ellipse. 

Rule .—The rule for circular arcs in the preceding 
table is equally applicable here. 

The two last tables are not entirely confined t6 works 
which may be carried into practice, but are useful in 
estimating, to a very minute degree of accuracy, the 
quantity of work which is to be executed from diaw- 
ings to a scale. 

As the tables, however, do not afford the means of 
finding the lengths of the curves of elliptic arcs, which 
are less than half of the entire figure, the following 
geometrical method is given to supply the defect. 

To find the length 
of an elliptic curve, 
which is less than 
half the figure. 

Let the curve, of 
which the length is 
required to be found, 
be a b c. 



k 

*/* 

/ / * 

/ / * 

/ / » 

\ ft 

i i 4 ""-^ d 

\ 

\ 


____] 


Produce the versed sine, b d , to meet the center of 
the curve in e. Draw the right line, c e, and from the 
center, e, with the distance, e b, describe an arc, b h. 
Bisect c h in i, and from the center, e, with the radius, 
^ i, describe the arc, i k , meeting e b produced to k; 
then, i k is half the arc a b c. 


Note *.—When the quotient is not given in the column of 
heights, divide the difference between the two nearest heights by 
.5; multiply the quotient by the excess of the height given, and 
the height in the table first above it, and add this sum to the 
tabular area of the least height. 

Thus, if the height is 118, 

.120, per table,= 1.0618 
.11 5> “ “ =1.0567 

.0051 5 = .00102 X (118—115) = .00306, 

which, added to 1.0567=1.05976, the length for 118. 


* Haswell. 












66 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


OF SOLIDS BOUNDED BY PLANE SURFACES 

The mensuration of solids is divided into two parts. 

I. The mensuration of the surfaces of solids. 

II. The mensuration of their solidities. 

The measure of any solid body is the whole capacity 
or contents of that body, when considered under the 
triple dimensions of length, breadth, and thickness. 
A cube , whose side »s one inch, one foot, or one yard, 
etc., is called the 7neasuring unit; and the contents or 
solidity of any figure is computed by the number of 
those cubes contained in that figure. 

DEFINITIONS 

1. A cube is a right prism, bounded by six equal 
square faces, of which any two, opposite to each other, 
are parallel. 

2. A parallelopiped is a prism bounded by six quadri¬ 
lateral planes, every opposite two of which are equal 
and parallel. 

3. A prism is a solid, whose ends are parallel, simi¬ 
lar, and equal, and the sides connecting these are 
parallelograms. 

4. A pyratnid is a solid, whose base is any plane 
figure, and whose sides are triangles, having all their 
vertices meeting together in a point above the base, 
called the vertex of the pyramid. 

5. A frustum or trunk of a pyramid is a portion of 
the solid that remains after any part has been cut off 
parallel to the base. 

6. A wedge is a solid of five sides, two of which are 
rhomboidal, and meet in an edge, a rectangular base, 
and two triangular ends. 

7. A prismoid is a solid, whose ends or bases are par¬ 
allel, but not similar, and whose sides are quadrilateral. 


AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


67 


OF CUBES AND PARALLELOPIPEDS 


Problem I.—To find the lateral surface of a prism. 

Rule .—Multiply the perimeter of the base into the 
altitude, and the product will be the convex, or lateral 
surface. When the entire surface of the prism is 
required, add to the convex surface the area of the 
bases. 


Example .—Required the lateral surface of a prism 
whosebase is a regular hexagon, and whose 
sides are each 2 feet 3 inches, the height 
being 11 feet? 

2 ft. 3 in =27 in. and 27X6=perimeter of the base. 

11 ft. =132 inches=height. 

Then, 132x162=21384 square inches. 

21384 -r- 144=148.50 sq. ft. Ans. 

Problem II.—To find the solidity of a 
cube or right prism. 

Rule. — Multiply the area of the base by 
the perpendicular height, and the product will be 
the solid contents. 



Note. —The capacity of a vessel, in gallons or bushels, of any 
given dimensions, may be readily ascertained by calculating its 
contents in inches, and then dividing the contents by the number 
of cubic inches in one gallon or bushel. 

Examples. —1. Required the number of 
ale gallons there are in a cistern which is 
6 feet 8 inches deep, and whose base is 
5 feet 4 inches square? 

6 ft. 8 in.=80 in. 

5 ft. 4 in.=64 in. 

Then, 64 2 =4096, and 4096X80=327680=solidity in inches. 
And 327680-5-282=1162 gal. 



2. What is the solidity of a prism of granite, 9 feet 2 
inches long, and 16 by 12 inches side dimension, and 






































68 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


what will be its weight, reckoning 169 lbs. to the cubic 
foot? 

9 ft. 2 in.= 110 in.=iength. 192X 110=21120=solidity in in. 
16X 12=192 in.=area of base 21 120 -h 1728=12.22 cubic ft. Ans. 

12.22X169=2065 lbs. Ans. 

OF PYRAMIDS 

Problem III.—To find the lateral surface of a regular 
pyramid. 

Rule. —Multiply the perimeter of the base by the 
d slant height, and half the product will be 
the surface. If the whole surface be re¬ 
quired, add to this the area of the base. 

Example. —What is the lateral surface 
of a regular triangular pyramid, a b c, 
whose slant height, d a , is 20 feet, and the 
sides of whose base are each 8 feet? 

8X3=24=perimeter of the base. 

20=slant height. 

2 )480 

240=lateral surface. 

Problem IV.—To find the lateral surface 
of the frustum of a regular pyramid. 

Ride. —Multiply the perimeters of the two ends by 
the slant height of the frustum, and half the product 
will be the surface required. To this add the surface 
of the two ends when the entire surface is required. 

Example. —What is the lateral surface of 
the frustum of a regular octagonal pyra¬ 
mid, A B C D, whose slant height, a A , 
is 42 feet, and the sides of the lower base, 

D C, 5 feet each, and of the upper base, 
a 3 feet each ? 

First, 5X 8=40=perimeter of lower base. 

3X8=24= “ upper “ 

64=sum of the two ends, 
then, 64=42-*-2=1344=area of lateral surface. 












AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


69 


Problem V. —To find the solidity of a pyramid. 

Rule. —Find the area of the base, and multiply that 
area by J of the height. 

Note. —This rule follows from that of the 
prism, because any pyramid is £ of a prism of 
the same base and altitude. It is manifest, there¬ 
fore, that the solidity of a pyramid, whether 
right or oblique, is equal to the product of the 
area of the base into § of the perpendicular 
height. 

Example. —What is the solidity of a 
square pyramid, abed , the sides of 
whose base are each 30 feet, and its per¬ 
pendicular height, ef 25 feet? 

First, 30X30=900=area of the base. 

25-f-3= 8£ 

7200 
300 

7500=solidity. 

Problem VI. —To find the solidity of the frustum of 
a pyramid. 

Rule. —To the areas of the two ends of the frustum, 
add the square root of their product; and this sum, 
multiplied by J of the perpendicular 
height, will give the solid contents. 

Note. —This rule holds equally true to a pyra¬ 
mid of any form. For the solidities of pyramids 
are equal when they have equal heights and bases, 
whatever be the figure of their bases. 

Example. —What is the cubic or solid 
c contents of the frustum of a marble pyra¬ 
mid, whose lower base, abed , is 20 
inches square, and upper base, e f 14 
inches, and whose height, h g, is 8 feet 4 inches? And 
what will be its weight, reckoning 169 lbs. to the cubic 
foot? 


h 



f 



















































70 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


20 2 =400=area of lower base. 8 ft. 4=100 

YJ 2 __i 9 g-_ << upper “ 100-^3=33+=$ of height 

596=sum of areas. Then, \/400X196=280. 

And, 596+280x33^=29200. 

2920-^ 1728=16.9 cubic feet. Ans. 

To find the weight, 16.9X 169=2856 lbs. Ans. 

Note. —By this rule, marble cutters can easily determine the 
solidity and weight of any piece of marble, such as shafts of monu¬ 
ments, slabs, etc., by reference to the Table of Specific Gravities, 
for a multiplier for the weight of a cubic foot or inch. 

OF WEDGES AND PRISMOIDS 

Problem VII.—To find the solidity of a wedge. 

Rule .—To the length of the edge of the wedge add 
twice the length of the base. 

Then multiply this sum by the height of the wedge 
and the breadth of the base, and J of the product will 
be the solid contents. 

Example .—Required the solidity 
of a wedge whose base, a b , is 
27 feet, b d, 8 feet, and whose 
edge, c b , is 36 feet, and the per¬ 
pendicular height 22 feet? 

First, 36=length of edge. 

54=twice the length of the base. 

90x22x8-^-6=2660 cubic ft. 

Problem VIII.—To find the solidity of a rectangular 
prismoid. 

Rule .—To the sum of the areas of the two ends, 
a b c, d ef add four times the area of a section, g h, 
parallel to and equally distant from the parallel ends, 
and this sum, multiplied by J of the height, will give 
the solidity. 


c 




























AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


7 1 


Example. —What is the solidity of a 
rectangular prismoid, a b c d y the 
length and breadth of one end being 
14 by 12 inches and the other 6 by 4 
inches, and the perpendicular 30 feet 6 a 
inches? 

First, 14X 12=168=area of lower base. 


6X 4= 24= “ upper “ 

192 

14-|-6-s-2=10_j length and breadth Then, 192 

12-j-4-^2= 8 \ of middle section 320 

80 5l2 

4 61=£ height 

320=areaof 4 times middle section. 512 

3072 

And 31232-^-1728=18.074 cubic ft. Ans. 31232 


OF THE CYLINDER, CONE, AND SPHERE 
DEFINITIONS 

1. A cylinder is a solid, having equal and parallel 
circles for its ends, and is described by the revolution 
of a rectangle about one of its sides. 

2. A cone is a solid body, of a true taper from the 
base to a point, which is called the vertex, and has a 
circle for its base. 

3. A frustum of a cone is what remains after a por¬ 
tion is cut off by a plane, parallel to the base. 

4. A conoid is a solid, generated by the revolving of 
a parabola or hyperbola around its axes. 

5. A spheroid is a solid, generated by the revolution 
of an ellipse about either of its axes. 

6. A sphere is a solid, terminated by a curved sur¬ 
face, all the points of which are equally distant from 
a point within, called the center. A sphere may be 
described by the revolution of a semicircle about a 
diameter. 













72 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


7. A radius of a sphere is a line drawn from the 
center to any part of the surface; as, 

8. The diameter of a sphere is a line drawn through 
the center, and terminated at both ends by the surface. 
All diameters of a sphere are equal to each other, and 
each is double the radius. 

9. A segment of a sphere is a portion of the sphere 
cut off by any plane. This plane is called the base of 
the segment. The height of a segment is the distance 
from the middle of its base to the convex surface. 

10. A zone is a portion of the surface of a sphere, 
included between two parallel planes, which form its 
bases. If the bases are equally distant from the cen¬ 
ter, it is called the middle zone. The height of a zone is 
the perpendicular distance between the two planes 
which form its bases. 

11. A cylindrical ring is a solid, formed by bending a 
cylinder, as a cylindrical bar of iron, until the two 
ends meet each other. 

12. A parabola is a section of a cone when cut by a 
plane parallel to its sides. 

13. A hyperbola is the section of a cone when cut by 
a plane, making a greater angle with the base than the 
side of a cone makes. 

14. The traiisverse axis is the longest straight line 
that can be drawn in an ellipse. 

15. The conjugate axis is a line drawn through the 
center, at right angles to the transverse axis. 

16. An abscissa is a part of any diameter contained 
between its vertex and an ordinate. 

17. The focus is the point in the axis where the 
ordinate is equal to half the perimeter. 

Problem I.—To find the convex surface of a cylinder. 

Rule, —Multiply the circumference of <he base by the 


AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


7 3 


length of the cylinder, and the product will 
be the convex surface required. To this add 
the areas of the two ends when the entire sur¬ 
face is required. 

Example .—What is the convex surface of a 
right cylinder, whose length is 23 feet, and the 
diameter of its base 3 feet? 

3X3.14159=9.42477 
Then, 9.42477X23=216.7697l=surface 



Problem II.—To find the solidity of a cylinder. 

Rule .—Multiply the area of the base by the height, 
and the product will give the solid contents. 

Examples. —1. What is the solidity of a 
cylinder, the diameter, a b, of whose base 
is 16 feet, and its height, ef 28 feet? 

First, find the area of the base by 16 2 =256. 
Then, 256X .7854= 201.0624=area of the base. 
Then, 201.0624X 28=5629.7472=solid contents. 

2. The Winchester bushel is a hollow 
cylinder, 18| inches in diameter and 8 
inches deep: what is its capacity? 



“Hi 


First, the area of the base=18.5’x .7854=268.8025. 
Then, 268.8025x8=2150.42=capacity in cubic inches. 


Note. —By this rule, every sealer of weights and measures may 
determine the exact capacity of any measure submitted to his 
inspection. And so any one may test the accuracy of any 
measure, whether dry or liquid, by reducing its capacity to cubic 
inches, and dividing by the number of cubic inches contained in 
such measure. The divisor for any measure may be found in the 
Table of Weights and Measures. 


3. How many gallons of oil will a can of a cylin¬ 
drical form hold, whose diameter is 28J inches, and 
whose height is 4 feet 3 inches? 









































74 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


Area of the base by the Tables of Areas of Circles=643.54; 

and 643.54X51-*-221.1841=48.39 gallons. 

1 gallon=221.184 cubic inches. 

Problem III.—To find the convex surface of a rone. 

Rule .—Multiply the perimeter of the base by the 
slant height, and ^ the product will be the surface; to 
which add the area of the base when the entire surface 
is required. 

Example .—The diameter of the base of a right cone, 
a b, is 3 feet, and the slant height, c a } is 15 feet: what 
is the convex surface? 

First, 3x3.14159=9.42477=circum. of base. 

Then, 9.42477X 15-s-2=70.686 sq. ft. 

Problem IV.—To find the solidity of a cone. 

Rule .—Multiply the area of the base by J of the 
height, and the product will be the solidity. 

Example .—What is the solidity of a right 
cone, whose perpendicular height, c cl, is 
10J feet, and the circumference of the base 
is 9 feet? 

We here multiply the area of the base 
by J of the height, and the product is the 
solidity. 

First, 9 2 =81, and 10^3=31=1 height. 

Now, SIX .7854=63.6174, area of base. 

Then, 63.6174X31=222.6609. Ans. 

Problem V.—To find the surface of a frustum of a 
cone. 

Ride .—Add together the circumferences of the two 
ends, and multiply the sum by \ the slant of the frus¬ 
tum; the product will be the convex surface: to which 
add the areas of the two bases when the entire surface 
is required. 








AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


75 


Note. —This rule is precisely the same as that for a frustum of 
a pyramid, and if a cone be considered as a pyramid of an infinite 
number of sides, it is equally applicable to the measurement of 
the frustum of a cone. 

Example. —What is the convex surface of the frus¬ 
tum of a cone, the circumference of the greater base, 
a b , being 30 feet, and of the smaller, e f 10 feet, the 
slant height, c a , being 20 feet? 

30+10=40=circum. of two ends. 10=£ slant height. 

40x 10=400=convex surface. 

Problem VI.—To find the solidity of the frustum of a 
cone. 

Rule .—Add to the areas of the two ends of the frus¬ 
tum the square root of their prochict . Then multiply 
this sum by of the perpendicular height, and the 
product will be the solidity. 

Note. —If a cone and a 'pyramid have equal bases and altitudes, 
they are equal in their solidity. Consequently, the rule already 
given for the frustum of a pyramid is equally applicable to the 
frustum of a cone. 

Example. —How many gallons of ale are 
contained in a cistern in the form of a conic 
frustum, a b e f if the larger diameter, a b % 
be 9 feet, and the smaller diameter, e f 7 
feet, and the depth, c o 9 feet? 

9 2 =81 i I 81X 7854=63.61=area of lower base. 

7 2 =49 ana \ 49X .7854=38.48= “ upper “ 

102.09 

Then, 63.61X38.48=2447.71 102.09+49.46=151.55. 

n/ 2447.71=49.46 151.55x3=454.65 cubic feet. 

454.65x1728=785635 cubic inches. 

785635-f-282=2785 gal. Ans. 








;6 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


OF SPHERES 

Problem VII. —To find the surface of a sphere or globe. 

Rule .—Multiply the diameter of the 
sphere by its circumference, and the 
product will be the surface. Or, mul¬ 
tiply the square of the diameter by 
3.14159. 

Example. —What is the surface of a 
sphere whose diameter is 7 feet? 

First, 7X 3.14159= 21.99113=circumference. 

Then, 21.99113X7=153.93791 sq. ft.=surface. 

Problem VIII.—To find the convex surface of a 
spherical zone or segment. 

Rule. —Multiply the height of the zone or segment 
by the whole circumference of the sphere of which it 
is a part, and the product will be the convex surface. 

Example. —If the axis of a sphere be 42 inches, what 
is the convex surface of a segment or zone, a b d, 
whose height, c d, is 9 inches? 

First, 42x3.14159=131.9468=circumference„ 

9=height. 

1187.5212=surface in square inches. 

Problem IX.—To find the solidity of a sphere or 
globe. 

Rule. —Multiply the cube of the diameter, c e, by the 
decimal .5236. Or, multiply the square of the diam¬ 
eter by the circumference, and J of the product will be 
the contents. 

Example. —What is the solidity of a globe whose 
diameter, c e, is 12 inches? 

12 2 X3.14159=452.38996=surface of the sphere. 

Then, 452.38996X 12s-6=904.78=solidity. 

Or thus: T2 3 =1728=cube of the diameter. 

And 1728X .5236=904.78=solid contents. 




























AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


77 


Problem X.—To find the solidity of a spherical seg¬ 
ment. 

Ride .—To three times the square of the radius, a b, 
of its base, add the square of its height, b c; then 
multiply the sum by the height, and the product by 
.5236, for the contents. 

Example .—What is the solidity of 
the segment, a d c (of the sphere e 
c ), whose height, be, is 8 feet, and 
the diameter of whose base, a d , is 14 feet? 

7 2 =49X3=147 
8 2 = 64 




21lX8=1688X.5236=883.836. Ans- 

Note. —The solidity of a spherical segment is 
frequently required when the radius of its base 
is not given; but if the diameter of the sphere 
and the height of the segment be known, 
the solidity may be easily found by the following: 

Ride. —From three times the diameter of the sphere, 
subtract twice the height of the segment; then multi¬ 
ply the remainder by the square of the height, and the 
product by the decimal .5236. 

OF SPHEROIDS 

Problem XI.—To find the solidity of a spheroid. 

Rule. —Multiply the square of the revolving axis by 
the fixed axis: and the product, multiplied by .5236, 
will give the solidity. c 

Example. —What is the solid¬ 
ity of an oblong spheroid, 
whose longer axis, a b , is 30, 
and the shorter, c d , 20, the 
revolving axis being c d? 

20 2 X 30= 12000 

Then, 12000X.5236=6283.2. Ans. 

















73 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


Note. —If the generating ellipse revolves about its major axis, 
the spheroid is prolate or oblong; if about its minor axis, the 
spheroid is oblate. 


OF PARABOLIC CONOIDS AND SPINDLES 

Problem XII.—To find the solidity of a parabolic 
conoid. 

Rule .—Multiply the square of the diameter of the 
base by the altitude, and the product by .3927 (which 
is J of .7854), and it will give the contents. 

Example .—What is the solidity of a 
parabolic conoid, whose height,/£*, is 
60, and the diameter, c d , of its base 
100 inches ? 


ff 



100=10000 

And 10000X60X.3927= 235620. Ans. 


Problem XIII.—To find the solidity of a frustum of 
a paraboloid. 

Rule .—Multiply the sum of the squares of the diam¬ 
eters of the two ends, a b and c d , by the height of the 
frustum, e /, and the product by .3927 (which is J of 
.7854), and it will give the contents. 

Example .—What is the solidity of the 
frustum of a paraboloid, abed , whose 
diameter, c d, is 54, a b, 28, and height, 
fe , 18 inches ? 



54“=2916. Then, 3700X 18X .3927=26153.82. Ans. 
28 3 = 784 
3700 


Problem XIV.—To find the solidity of a parabolic 
spindle. 

Ride .—Multiply the square of the middle diameter, 
c d , by the length of the spindle, l m, and the product 



















AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


79 


by .41888 (which is T 8 3 of .7854), and it will give the 
solidity. 

Example .—Required the solidity c 






* 

bx 

\ v 

•«t 


\ 

_ _ 

/ i.y‘ 


whose length, l m , is 100, and 
diameter, c d , 40. 


40 =1600. 

And 1600X100X.41888=67020.8. Ans 


:>m 


« 

Problem XV.—To find the solidity of the middle frus¬ 
tum of a parabolic spindle. 

Ride .—Add together 8 times the square of the great¬ 
est diameter, c d, 3 times the square of the least 
diameter, f e } and 4 times the product of these two 
diameters; multiply the sum by the length, a b, and 
the product by .05236 (which is Ar of 3.1416); this will 
give the solidity. 



Example .—What is the solidity 
of the frustum of a parabolic spin¬ 
dle, whose dimensions are as fol¬ 
lows: a&, 60, cd) 40, fe % 30 inches? 


40 = 1600 

8 

12800 

30 2 =900x 3=2700 
15500 

30X40X4= 4800 

20300X60X.05236=63774.48. Ans. 


OF HYPERBOLOIDS AND HYPERBOLIC CONOIDS 

Problem XVI.—To find the solidity of a hyperboloid. 

Rule .—To the square of the radius of the base, a s y 
add the square of the middle diameter, m r; multiply 
this sum by the height, s f and the product by .5236, 
and it will give the solidity. 













8o 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


Example .—What is the solid¬ 
ity of a hyperboloid, a b f 
whose base, a b , is 40 inches, 
and height, s f 30 inches; and 
whose middle diameter, m r, 
is 30 inches? a 

J20 2 =400 

30 2 =900 

1300 And 1300X30X 5236^-1728=11.817 cubic feet. 

Problem XVII.—To find the solidity of the frustum 
of a hyperbolic conoid. 

(See the foregoing figure.) 

Rule. —Add together the squares of the greatest and 
least semidiameters, a s and d r, and the square of the 
whole diameter, m r, in the middle of the two; multiply 
this sum by the height, r s, and the product by .5236, 
and it will give the solidity. 

Example .—Required the solidity of the frustum of a 
hyperbola, a b d e, whose semidiameter, a 5, is 20 
inches, and dr , 10 inches; the middle diameter, m r, 
30 inches, and whose height is 20 inches? 

T0 2 =400 

_ 10 2 =100 

30 2 =900 

1400 Then, 1400X20x .6236^-1728=8.426 cubic feet. 

Problem XVIII.—To find the convex surface of a cyl¬ 
indrical ring. 

Rule .—To the thickness of the ring, a c , add the 
inner diameter, then multiply this sum by the thick¬ 
ness, and the product by 9.8696 (which is the square 
of 3.1416), and it will give the convex surface re¬ 
quired. 










AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


81 


Example. —The thickness, a c, of a 
cylindrical ring is 4 inches, and the 
inner diameter, c d , is 14 inches; 
required the convex surface. 

ac-\-cd= 4-)-14= 18. 

Then, 18X4X9.8696=710.612square inches 
=convex surface. 

Problem XIX.—To find the solidity of a cylindrical 
ring. 

Rule. —To the thickness of the ring, a c , add the 
inner diameter, c d; then multiply the sum by the 
square of the thickness, and the product by 2.4674 
(which is } of the square of 3.1416), and it will give 
the solidity. 

Example. —Required the solidity of an anchor ring, 
whose inner diameter is 8 inches, and thickness in 
metal 3 inches. 

First, 3-f-8=11 

3x3=9=square of thickness. 

99X 2.4674=244.2726=solidity in inches. 

GAUGING OF CASKS 

Gauging is a practical art which does not admit of 
being treated in a very scientific manner. 

Casks are not commonly constructed in exact con¬ 
formity with any regular mathematical figure. By 
most writers on this subject, however, they are consid¬ 
ered as nearly coinciding with one of the following 
forms: 

2. } The middle frustum | of a parabolic spindle, 

I | The equal frustums { * J %£***• 

and their contents in cubic inches maybe found by the 








82 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


rules in mensuration, for determining the solidity o i 
these figures. 

To find the contents of a cask by four dimensions. 

Rule .—Add together the squares of the bung and 
head diameter, and the square of double the diameter, 
taken in the middle between the bung and head; 
multiply the sum by the length of the cask, and the 
product by . 1309. 

To find the contents of a cask in the form of the mid¬ 
dle frustum of a spheroid. 

Rule .—Add together the square of the head aiameter 
and twice the square of the bung diameter; multiply 
the sum by J of the length, and the product by .00355, 
for a wine gallon of New York standard measure, or 
.0034 for old English gallons. If D and d ~ the two 
diameters, and l = the length, the capacity in inches 
= (2 D 1 x d 2 ) x \l x .7854. And by substituting .00355 
for .7854, we have the capacity in wine gallons. 

Example .—What is the capacity of a cask of the 
second form, whose length is 30 inches, its head diam¬ 
eter 18 inches, and its bung diameter 24? 

JS 2 = 324 
2x 24 2 =1152 
1476 

i of 30=_10 

14760X .00355=52.39 wine gallons. Ans. 

To find the contents of a cask in the form of two 
equal frustums of a cone. 

Rule.—Add together the square of the head diam¬ 
eter, the square of the bung diameter, and the product 
of the two diameters; multiply the sum by J of the 
length and the product by .00355 for New York wine 
gallons, or .0034 for old English gallons of 231 cubic 
inches. 






AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


83 


Example .—What is the capacity of a cask whose 
dimensions are as follows: 30 inches long, head diam¬ 
eter 18 inches, and bung diameter 24 inches? 

~18 2 =324 

24 2 =576 

Product of 2 diam. =432 

1332X 10=13320X .00355=46.286 
Or (D 2 +d 2 +Z)d)X ^X .00355. 

We are now in a position to commence work in 
earnest, and with this end in view we will start just as 
the workman starts, at the very beginning, which, in 
the case of a building, is the preparation of the site, 
the excavations, the drainage, the footings, the foun¬ 
dations, and so on, until the whole structure is finished; 
and I would like to remark before commencing that 
whatever method of estimating is started with, that 
method should be continued throughout the whole for 
that particular work. Sometimes, where there is any 
doubt as to the correctness of the result, it is a good 
way to finish up with one system, then to use another 
system, and if the two results are not wide apart, the 
estimate may be considered fairly correct. If, how¬ 
ever, there is a big variation, the first estimate should 
again begone over, and if the same result is obtained, 
or nearly the same, it maybe considered fairly correct; 
it is well, however, to go over the second system again 
in order to find out where the discrepancy occurs. 
The price of accurate results is persistent effort. 

In order to get at near approximation of the cost of 
work, the estimator, besides having a knowledge of 
the price of the various materials required, should 
be also conversant with the current price of labor, and 
to this end I give herewith the average price per hour 
of labor as now (1904) gathered from a number of labot 



84 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


circles throughout the whole country. These prices, 
however, are only given merely as guides, for they 
will vary with time and with locality; but in the 
absence of proper local data, they may be used with 
confidence. I give the price per hour of labor, as law 
or custom has not yet made the length of a legal day’s 
labor. 


AVERAGE RATES OF WAGES PER HOUR 


General Laborer 
Stone Mason. .. 

Excavator . 

Bricklayer . 

Carpenter . 

Plasterer . 

Slater . 

Painter . 

Plumber . 

Roofer . 


from 

184 

to 

30 

cents 

from 

50 

to 

65 

cents 

from 

21 

to 

30 

cents 

from 

40 

to 

55 

cents 

from 

45 

to 

60 

cents 

from 

45 

to 

55 

cents 

from 

50 

to 

60 

cents 

from 

30 

to 

50 

cents 

from 

55 

to 

65 

cents 

from 

50 

to 

65 

cents 


Other trades run in about the same proportion, so 
that, knowing the number of hours the work will 
require for completion, a fair estimate of the whole 
cost of the work may be arrived at. 

A few of the things necessary to know in connection 
with estimating on excavation are the capacities of the 
tools and appliances required on the work, such as I 
give below. 


An ordinary one-horse cart 6 feet long by 3§ feet wide and 
feet deep will hold 45 cubic feet, or 1§ cubic yards. 

A regular builder’s cart will hold 1 cubic yard. 

A tip-wagon will hold, when heaped, 3 cubic yards. 

A large wheelbarrow will hold 1/10 cubic yard. 

A small wheelbarrow will hold 1/12 cubic yard. 

A basket holds a bushel, or 1/21 cubic yard. 

50 barrow loads make a good wagon load. 

A stone wagon will carry from 2| to 6 tons. 

A double load of earth equals about 56 cubic feet. 














AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


85 


A. single load equals some 27 or 28 cubic feet. 

A single, generally, is about 1 cubic yard. 

A single, generally, is about 1 ton of stone, brick, etc. 

500 bricks make a single load. 

400 pressed bricks make a single load. 

1,000 plain roofing tiles make a single load. 

1,000 slates, counters, make a single load. ; 

1,000 feet dressed lumber make a single load. 

50 cubic feet of timber make a single load. 

1 cubic yard of mixed mortar make a single load. 

16 bushels of lime make a single load. 

Earth in excavations weighs about as follows: 

1 cubic yard of common earth, 2,400 pounds. 

1 cubic yard of top-soil earth, 2,000 pounds. 

1 cubic yard of clay earth, 2,700 pounds. 

1 cubic yard dry sand earth, 2,700 pounds, 

1 cubic yard wet sand earth, 3,000 pounds. 

1 cubic yard of sandy loam earth, 2,400 pounds. 

1 cubic yard of mud earth, 2,500 pounds. 

1 cubic yard of gravel earth, 3,000 pounds 
1 cubic foot of cement concrete, 6 broken stones, 1 sand, 1 
cement, weighs 130 pounds. 

1 cubic foot of concrete, 6 broken bricks, 1 sand, and 1 cement, 
weighs 120 pounds. 

1 cubic foot of concrete, 6 broken ballast, 1 sand, and 1 cement, 
weighs 140 pounds. 

Increase in the bulk of earth, clay, etc., when exca¬ 
vated and thrown into a loose heap: 


BEFORE DIGGING 

Earth and clay. 1 

Sand and gravel. 1 

Broken stones. 1 

Free stone. 1 

Rock generally. 1 

STONE-WORK DRAIN TILES 

125 pieces 2 feet long, 4-inch pipe, weigh 1 ton. 

80 pieces 2 feet long, 6-inch pipe, weigh 1 ton. 

42 pieces 2 feet long, 9-inch pipe, weigh 1 ton. 

24 pieces 2 feet long, 12-inch pipe, weigh 1 ton. 


WHEN DUG 

n 

11 

11 

11 

11 







86 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


COST OF LABOR IN PHILADELPHIA, BALTIMORE, CHICAGO, 
AND OTHER LARGE CENTERS, AT THE TIME 
OF COMPILATION OF THIS WORK 


This is not to be considered reliable, but will answer 


when exact data are not at hand. 


DESCRIPTION 


Dig, throw out, and prepare for con¬ 
crete, 12 inches deep, per super, 
yard . 

Digging and throwing out when more 
than 12 inches deep, including lev¬ 
eling, per cubic yard. 

Ditto in trenches, leveling, fixing, and 
removing, shoring and planking, 
not exceeding 6 feet deep, per 
cubic yard. 

Add for each additional 6 feet in depth 
besides the price given, the sum, 
per cubic yard. 

Spreading and leveling in layers not 
exceeding 12 inches in depth, per 
cubic yard . 

Add to last item for well tamping, per 
cubic yard. 

Returning earth, spreading, tamping, 
exclusive of carting or wheeling, 
per cubic yard. 

Labor only, for ditto, per cubic yard.. 

Paddling walls, filling cofferdams, 
tamping clay in layers 8 or 9 
inches thick, per cubic yard. 

Por labor only, in above. 

Clay tempered and puddled 6 or 7 
inches deep, well tamped in place, 
per yard super. 

Covering slopes, terracing with good 
soil in layers about 6 inches deep, 
per super, yard. 

Sodding same and furnishing sod and 
leveling same, per super, yard.... 



0 

z 


a 

z 

p 

o 

os 

o 

p 

0 

« 

O 

O 

z 

o 

|h 

H 

s 

fe > 

Q 

<J 

s 

o 

mO 

Cts. 

Cts. 

Cts. 

13 

15 

17 

20 

24 

30 


23 

31 

37 

14 

19 

22 

12 

14 

17 

14 

14 

14 

20 

20 

20 

17 

17 

17 

• • 

• • 

$3.00 

• • 

• • 

60 

• • 

• • 

1.25 


18 

1.00 























AND CONTRACTOR'S GUIDE 


87 


CARTING AWAY SUPERFLUOUS MATERIAL 
Wheeling or carting stuff from excavation in addi¬ 
tion to the foregoing items, not exceeding 
twenty yards distance, including filling of 
wheelbarrows, carts, etc., and depositing 
solid contents on the ground, per cubic yard. . $0.18 
Add for wheeling or removing every additional 
20 yards, up 100 yards from starting point, 

per cubic yard.10 

Basketing earth or rubbish of any kind from the 
inside to the outside of a building, any floor, 

per cubic yard.25 

Removing to a distance, not exceeding 1 mile, 
including loading carts, w T agons, etc., and 
depositing same from vehicle, per cubic yard. 2.50 

Add for every additional mile, per cubic yard.70 

Carting away rubbish and unloading, distance not 

to exceed 1 mile, per cubic yard. 1.75 

Add for every additional mile, per cubic yard... .70 

Loading or unloading barges, scows, or boats of 
any kind, alongside the stuff being delivered, 

within 12 yards of barge, etc., per ton.35 

Removing by barges, scows, boats, etc., to a dis¬ 
tance of 1 mile or under, per ton... .55 

Add for every additional mile, or part of a mile, 

beyond the first.30 

Cost of driver, horse, and cart, per hour.43 

Cost of wheelbarrows, jier hour.03 

Cost of team, wagon, and driver, per hour.60 

Other appliances, cost must be ascertained before 
putting in the tender for w r ork. 

CONCRETE WORK 

Concrete should be composed of pure clean water, 
broken stones, or ballast or clean p ; t-gravel, with such 
a proportion of sharp sand as will fill the voids 
between the stones or gravel; and this latter should 
not be larger than such as will pass through a ring If 
inches in diameter. The proportion should never be 











88 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


less for Portland cement than one to six parts of stones 
and sand combined, and the concrete should be 
thrown into position steadily and as evenly as possible 
and tamped down in layers not more than twelve inches 
thick. The following prices include mixing, wheel¬ 
ing, throwing in place and tamping down. Of course 
something will depend on the cost of cement, and on 
the cost of aggregate, i.e., broken stone and sand. 

CONCRETE FOR FOUNDATIONS AND PAVING 


Foundations for walls, etc., circular, straight, or in 

thick pieces, per cubic yard. $6.25 

Above foundations, underpinning, retaining walls, 

or similar work, per cubic yard. 6.37 

Blocks of such size and shape, if square, as may be 
required, and set in Portland cement, moulds 

included, per cubic yard. 7.50 

Foundations for paving on with brick or stone, 

4 inches thick, per yard super. 1.00 

Ditto, 6 inches thick, per yard super. 1.25 

Ditto, 9 inches thick, per yard super. 1.33 

Ditto, 12 inches thick, per yard super. 1.55 

Floating surface of concrete and bringing it to a 

fair face, per yard super.40 

Add for work if executed between high and low 
water mark, including full protection against 

tides, or streams, per cubic yard. 1.55 

Add for every 10 feet hoisted above the level of 

first floor, for each cubic yard.80 


100 cubic feet of solid stone, when broken so that the. largest 
piece will pass through a ring 1| inches in diameter, will equal 
189 cubic feet. 

Through a 2-inch ring, will equal 182 cubic feet. 

Through a 2^-inch ring, will equal 170 cubic feet. 

CONCRETE FLOORS AND ROOFS 

The concrete for floors, pavements, roof-gardens or 
roofs, should be made in the proportion of one part 


















AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


8q 

¥ 


Portland cement, four parts of broken bricks, slag or 
other porous aggregate, and should be small enough to 
pass through a }-inch ring; but no sand should be used. 
Fine ashes from the smith’s forge make the best 
material for this purpose, but it should not exceed in 
bulk one-third of the whole mass. The concrete 
should be laid in position gradually and continuously, 
until the whole work is done, and should be tamped 
concurrently as laid in place. Concrete under boarded 
floors, tile or brick pavements should be as above 
described, but in the proportion of one part Portland 
cement to five parts of aggregate, which, after being 
thrown in place, should be leveled off nicely and 
tamped down with a wooden pounder until it becomes 
pulpy and the “fat” or cement portion is brought to 
the surface, when it should be floated or finished to a 
fine smooth face with a wooden float. 

PRICES FOR CONCRETE FLOORS AND ROOFS 


Concrete floor, as before described, 4 inches thick, 

laid complete, per yard, super. $2.10 

Concrete roofs, per yard super. 1.53 

Add for each inch in thickness above 4 inches.35 

Add if surface is finished with granite siftings, 

\ inch thick.20 

Add to floors or roofs, when the under side is 
exposed and rendered fair with lime putty 

for limewhiting .20 

Concrete bed under -wooden floors, ground level, 

as described, 4 inches thick. 1.53 

Chases left in floors or roofs for expansion by 


inserting battens, including use of same, fixing 


and removing, and filling up cavity with con¬ 
crete, and making good surface after remov¬ 
ing battens, per foot run.18 

Forming channels in concrete floors or roofs, not 

exceeding 6-inch girth, per foot run.20 









go 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


Extra to forming 4-inch projection to 6-inch flat 
concrete roof, and throating on under side, 

per foot run.20 

To these figures add for hoisting every 10 feet in 

height, after the first 10 feet, per yard super. . *14 

EXCAVATING FOR TRENCHES, DRAINAGE, 
FOOTINGS AND SIMILAR WORK 

As before stated, the prices given in this work are 
not to be considered good for all time. The prices 
given to-day will be found quite unreliable in a month 
or two, or when applied to another locality. The 
prices, however, I do affix to the work specified may 
be considered moderate and fairly safe for competitive 
tendering, but it is always best to vary these prices by 
local quotations and current rates. 

I have already given a few instructions to the intend¬ 
ing contractor with reference to excavating, but it may 
be well, even though I may lay myself open to the 
crime of repeating myself, to reiterate in some measure 
those instructions and warnings. 

The plans of the intended specifications should be 
well studied and specifications carefully read over, so 
as to thoroughly understand what the architect 
desires, and when things are not properly digested the 
architect should be consulted. 

The site of the intended building should be visited, 
so that the nature of the soil may be known, the dis¬ 
tance it is to be conveyed, the state of the roadway, 
and the distance the building materials have to be 
hauled. See to the levels, and ascertain as nearly as 
possible the amount of material to be removed. Some¬ 
times, in digging, a very different soil reveals itself to 
that taken; there are sometimes loose sand, running 











AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


9i 


water, rock, and other obstacles that have not been 
considered, and the price per yard for digging, removal 
of 1 oose material, strutting sides of trenches, pumping, 
and cost of carting may make a considerable differ¬ 
ence. The builder who knows the locality or site and 
the sub-soil is, of course, in a better position than 
others who tender. On some sites sand may be found 
a few feet from the surface, and this may be valuable 
and make a difference to the price; or it may be the 
sand has been screened and placed again on the site 
and covered with loam, in which case the excavations 
will have to go down to the “virgin” soil. 

The cost of materials should be obtained before 
estimating. The prices of stone, bricks, sand, lime, 
ballast, delivered on the site, are all-important pre¬ 
liminaries to correct estimating. The prices of bricks, 
sand, lime, etc., vary very much in different localities. 
To take brick work, several elements are necessary 
before a correct price can be affixed per rod; as, for 
example, the price of bricks in field, the carriage to 
works, if by barge or rail, the cost of loading, the 
freight, unloading, carting from wharf to works, the 
price per yard of sand delivered, and of lime, and 
cost of labor. If there are any terra cotta or drain 
pipes, the cost delivered on the site should be obtained 
from the maker, and the same for any iron work or 
other special material. 

As all these elements are found to vary considerably, 
it is only possible to obtain an approximate price. 
The market prices of leading items in each trade ought 
to be known, and for this purpose trade lists and prices 
are necessary. The quotation of prices for particular 
items is important. 

More uncertainty prevails in estimating excavator’s 


92 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


work than in any other of the builder’s trades, owing 
to the various kinds of soil to be removed, if the soil is 
carted or wheeled a long or short way, if the excava¬ 
tion is deeper than 6 feet (the height a man can work), 
if filled in, where deposited. This item is taken 
according to the labor involved. It may consist sim¬ 
ply of digging and carting, as in the excavation over 
the site, or of digging, filling, and ramming, as in 
trenches for foundation. In the latter, however, both 
kinds of labor are required. Thus, the “digging and 
carting” represents that portion of the excavation 
which is occupied by the wall and has to be removed, 
and the ‘‘filling and ramming” applies to that portion 
of earth which is filled in and rammed against the 
walls. Then it is necessary to keep such items sep¬ 
arate, as, for example, the excavation to basements 
and those only on the surface, as in removing the top 
soil and wheeling away not exceeding say 9 or 12 
inches deep. In the deeper excavations in friable soils 
timbering is necessary, as walling and strutting the 
sides of trenches, etc. 

In pricing items of excavation, the depth and width 
of trench, the nature of the soil, and the quantity of 
timber, if necessary, the latter measured per foot 
super, on each side, must be known. Digging in 
gravel or stiff clay costs twice as much as in loose 
earth. The disposal of the stuff should be made clear. 
Thus, the part of the trench to receive concrete may 
be described as “excavation and carting away, or 
wheeling and spreading,” the portion to receive the 
brick work being described as “digging to trenches, 
part filled in and rammed, and remainder carted away.” 
The earth may be dug and thrown out, wheeled or 
basketed out, or carted away to make up other ground. 












AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


93 


Depths of 6 feet, 12 feet, or 18 feet should be kept 
■eparate. 

Wall trenches in width are regulated by the spread 
of the footings, usually twice the thickness of wall at 
base, and room enough for men to work in the trench 
on one or both sides, usually 6 inches beyond bottom 
course of footings. 

Pumping and bailing out water is a speculative item, 
and its cost can only be approximately put down. 
I have shown in previous pages approximately the 
cost of handling loam, sand, gravel and general rub¬ 
bish, and the prices given these hold good in nearly 
all cases, but exceptional conditions must be provided 
for. 

For large trenches and foundation work, when the 
earth is filled in and rammed, it is perhaps better to 
make a separate item, as “excavation and returning, 
filling and ramming,” the quantity measured from 
outer face of brick work to side of trench by the depth 
of the footings, and deduct this from total excavation. 

Priced bills do not help the young estimator much. 
To take two or three priced bills of quantities for the 
same building will reveal extraordinary differences, 
arising from various circumstances—the position and 
facilities of the contractor, his nearness to the work, 
whether he has a large plant and staff of workmen, or 
is a man of small capital without resources; the prices 
also depend on whether the estimate is prepared with 
the aid of drawings or specifications, or simply from a 
bill of quantities, from the items of a day or measured 
account. A man may be an expert quantity taker who 
has not mastered the fundamental elements of pricing; 
the two processes are different. The expert in prices 
must be a man naturally addicted to study and com- 


94 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


pare values^ to analyze the composition of items; he 
must be able to arrive at a price by a calculation in 
detail. A mind so trained will be able to trace analo¬ 
gous conditions, will be able to generalize and com¬ 
pare. We should recommend the young estimator to 
master the contents of every trade list of materials and 
goods, and these should be kept, classified and 
indexed, on some system for easy reference. The 
trade and cash discounts, railway rates, cost prices, 
etc., should be collected and indexed for reference, 
and for this purpose an alphabetical index or common¬ 
place book ought to be kept. A book for each trade 
, should be kept to enter prices, data, and information, 
always giving date. Note especially the time expended 
on every kind of labor, as, for example, the time taker 
by a laborer in digging a yard cube of clay or othe 
material, how many yards he can do in a day; the 
time it will take a joiner to frame a door of a certair 
thickness per foot super., or the time it takes to dc 
any unit of work. 

Large quantities of material, like sand or ballast OJ 
bricks, can be procured at a cheaper rate than small 
supplies, and a difference of at least 10 per cent in the 
cost may be made; but in every particuar instance it is 
better to make inquiries and obtain quotations from 
reputable dealers and contractors. 

The presence of sand on the site will often save 
much carting away, as the sand and ballast can be used 
for concrete and brick work, and before pricing items 
of excavation inquiries should be made as to the depth 
of the sand below the ground level. All above the 
sand has to be carted away; it may be half or two- 
thirds of the whole depth excavated. When sand 
occurs in the trenches and site considerable saving is 












AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


95 


effected, and the exact quantity of this should be 
ascertained before pricing, so that an allowance can be 
made. Thus, in trenches say half full of good sand, 
one-half only of the quantity or of every yard would 
have to be carted away. The other portion will be a 
distinct gain. The sand should be valued at so much 
per yard cube, added to the saving of carting, so that 
there should be a great saving. It is better to provide 
that a certain sum shall be allowed by the contractor 
for every yard of sand found on site and used in the 
building. 



Fig. A 



At Fig. A, I show a section of a site that was sup¬ 
posed to be irregular, and where the cellar excavation 
and irregular ground 
is shown to be re¬ 
moved and terraced 
in front of the house. 

This will give some 
idea of the proper 
method to figure on 
excavating of that 
kind and how the 
material may be dis- Fig. i 

posed of. 

Before proceeding further it 
may not be out of place to show a 
few examples of deep trenches 
for drainage or other purposes, cut 
in various sorts of ground, and 




















96 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


the methods employed of holding the backs or sides 

of trench in place until the 
work is completed. Fig. 1 
shows a trench, 3 feet 6 
inches deep and 3 feet wide, 
that is prevented from cav¬ 
ing in by the use of cross 
struts and planks placed at a 
distance of about 6 feet. 
This trench is supposed to 
be dug in good solid ground. 
These struts and planking 
will require about 10 feet of 
material for every 6 feet in 
length of the trench, and 
about one-half hour’s time 



Fig. 2 


in putting in place and preparing stuff. 

Fig. 2 shows a 
“heading” for good 
ground. This, it will 
be noticed, is sheet- 
piled on top and two 
sides. These tim¬ 
bers must be sized to 
suit the size of cut¬ 
ting, and character 
of ground; so price 
must be gauged ac¬ 
cordingly. Cost per 
running foot, about 
65 cents. 

Fig. 3 shows an¬ 
other heading. This 



Fig. 3 


is for very bad ground, and is supposed to be made 














AND CONTRACTOR'S GUIDE 


97 


iINCS 


lengths, as 
cost of this 


ling$ 


/ery strong. This is an expensive affair; but the 
materials for use in the framework, when carefully 
removed, may be used again for the same or similai 
purposes. This style would cost about #1.50 per run¬ 
ning foot, exclusive of digging and removing material. 

Fig.4 shows 
a method of 
shoving a 
ditchortrench 
for loose 
earth. This 
may be built 
with the sheet 
piling in two 
shown. The 

style of shoving would be 
considerable and depends 
somewhat on the depth of 
cutting. Supposing this to 
be about 6 feet deep, the 
cost would be from 75 to 85 
cents per running foot, which 
would, of course, include 
both sides and cost of plank¬ 
ing and poles. Some allowance would have to be 
made for the return stuff, as most of the material could 
be used again for a similar purpose. The prices given 
do not include digging or removing the loose earth, 
but simply the shoving and the material used; but 
these prices will vary with the locality and cost of 
material and labor. 

The trench shown at Fig. 5 differs from those previ¬ 
ously shown, inasmuch as this exhibits a trench with 
sloping or inclined sides. This is arranged for a 




































98 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


trench dug in loose or treacherous ground, and if made 
about 6 feet deep the labor and materials required to 
complete the shoving would cost, in round numbers, 





Fig. 6 


$1.00 per running foot, 
including the removing 
of planking and poling 
of the work when com¬ 
pleted. 

The illustration shown 
at Fig. 6 exhibits a 
method of sheet piling 
for a deep cutting in bad 

























































AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


99 


or loose ground. This is an expensive necessity wher¬ 
ever it has to be undertaken, and requires two stories, 
as it were, of shoring and an extra widening of the 
trench at the top. The sheet piling is of plank two or 
three inches thick, as may be required, and each plank 
is pointed at one end and is driven into the soil at the 
bottom of the wide trench as shown, and is strutted 
and made secure, after which the lower trench is exca¬ 
vated and secured with piling and struts as shown. 
This style of planking and securing the work is very 
expensive, and each case must be figured out for 
itself; the cost depending largely on depth and width 
of trench and quality of earth to be supported. I have 
known of such work as described costing $6.50 per 
running foot for labor and materials for the purpose; 
the trench being about 14 feet deep on an average. 
This was exclusive of digging and removing the earth 
from the trench. Under the circumstances, it would 
be folly to give any stated price for this work. An 
approximate cost can only be obtained by actual figur¬ 
ing on the particular work to be done, and it is always 
the surest way, in cases like the one under notice, to 
make no allowance for returned material, for, when 
taken out of the trench, it will have but little value for 
any other purpose. 


A FEW THINGS WORTH KNOWING REGARDING EXCAVATING 


The following items should aid the estimator in 
determining prices and arranging for space, etc. 
Natural slopes (with horizontal line): 


Moist sand.22° 

Dry sand.. 38 

Vegetable earth.28" 

Shingle .39" 

Gravel.40° 

Compact earth ..50° 


Chalk.55° 

Rubble.45° 

Well drained clay .45° 

Wet clay.16° 

Loose peat .14° 

Firm peat.45° 
















100 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


Height of perpendicular face which various soils will 
retain for a short time without falling: 

Clay.9 ft. to 12 ft. 

Drained loam.5 ft. to 8 ft. 

Ordinary earth.2 ft. to 3 ft. 

Dry sand or gravel./.1 ft. to 2 ft. 

In trimming banks for a permanent surface the slope 
should not be uniform, but flatter at the lower than 
the upper part. For instance, in the same soil (clay), 
a bank 5 feet high may stand at a slope of 1J to 1; 
10 feet high, 2 to 1; 20 feet high, 3 to 1, with prac¬ 
tically the same permanency. The most economical 
section for a deep cutting or hillside would be a slope 
ranging from 3 to 1 at bottom to to 1 at the top. 

Equivalents of slopes: 


\ to 1=63° 30' 
| to 1=53° 

1 to 1=45° 

If to 1=31° 40' 
1| to 1=33° 42' 


If to 1=29° 44' 

2 to 1=26° 44' 

3 to 1=18° 25' 

4 to 1=14° 12' 


Increased volume of earth in embankment over the 
same unmoved: 


Sand.| more. 

Gravel. r ] T “ 

4 4 


Clay.£ more 

Large rocks.| “ 

Chalk.T 

A usual allowance for settlement is one inch for 
every foot of height, but the settlement is sometimes 
as great as 3 inches per foot. 

A good excavator will dig and throw into a barrow 
in a day of ten hours: 

In common ground.from 8 to 10 cub. yd. 

In stiff clay or firm gravel. “ 5 to 6 “ 

In hard ground (picking required). “ 3 to 5 “ 

In excavating, a vertical throw is taken at 6 feet, and 
when a trench exceeds that depth, stages must be pro- 



















AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


IOI 


vided. In practice, stages are usually set at somewhat 
closer intervals. 

Clay invariably swells on exposure of the face in an 
excavation, and allowance must be made for this in 
certain works, as in well-digging and tunneling. 

In calculating the quantity of excavation in a trench 
which tapers in depth, or width, the prismoidal formula 
should be used, viz., area of two ends plus four times 
middle area, and the total multiplied by one-sixth of 
the length. 

For an irregular site take spot levels, join all up into 
triangles, then multiply the mean depth of each tri¬ 
angle by its area. 

A run is a certain distance for wheeling excavated 
material. With a length of one run, two barrows can 
be kept going without waiting. The length of a run is 
commonly taken to be 20 yards, but according to some 
it is only 18 yards, while in some districts 22 yards 
is allowed, and in U. S. government work 25 yards 
make one run. If wheeled more than three runs, a 
higher proportionate price has to be paid. 

WEIGHTS OF MATERIALS 

27 cubic feet=l load, and contains 27 striked bushels or 21 

heaped bushels. 

54 cubic feet= 1 double load. 

21 cubic feet of river sand (as filled into carts).weigh 1 ton 

22 cubic feet of pit sand (as filled into carts). 

22 cubic feet of common ballast. 

23 cubic feet of coarse gravel. 

24 cubic feet of clean shingle. 

28 cubic feet of stiff clay. 

28 cubic feet of marl. u 

29 cubic feet of chalk (in lump). 

33 cubic feet of earth (mould). 

A tip cart will hold about f yard cube. 











102 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


A wheelbarrow contains yard cube. 

A small earth wagon will hold 11 cubic yards. 

A large earth wagon will hold 3 cubic yards. 

1 yard cube of solid earth or gravel contains 27 striked bushels 

before digging, and 27 heaped bushels when dug 
49 square yards = 1 rood of surface digging in country. 

I have shown some of these tables in different forms 
in order to meet the several local customs of dealing 
with the same conditions; a method which, I think, 
will give this little work wider range than it would 
otherwise have. 

I now offer some short rules on excavating that may 
sometimes be found handy: 

A 10-ton locomotive steam crane excavator, fitted 
with a 1^-yard cube digging bucket, will excavate and 
deliver into wagons from 800 to 1,000 cubic yards per 
day of 10 working hours according to the nature of 
the ground. 

Work in trenches costs 20 to 30 per cent more than 
digging over areas where the labor is not cramped. 
The soil is merely deposited at a safe distance (of say 

2 feet) from the edge of the trench, from whence it is 
wheeled or carted away. Take common ground, a 
man would here be able to manage only 8 yards cube 
in one day, as there is a limited space to work in and 
the soil has to be pitched out one “throw.” Earth 
that is loose enough to shovel out without using the 
pick, and where only one “throw” is required, may be 
removed for about 12 cents per yard cubic, or for- less, 
where a plow and scraper can be employed. With the 
aid of plow and scraper, earth may be removed any¬ 
where less than 100 yards for about 16 cents per cubic 
yard. If loaded in carts or wagons, it will cost from 20 
to 30 cents per yard. Very hard clay, gravel or hard- 


AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


103 


pan may cost from 50 cents to $1.25 a yard to remove. 
Rock will cost from $1.25 to $6.00 to remove, depend¬ 
ing on the kind of rock. Old foundations, when stone, 
brick, old timber and lath, etc., are buried in mortar 
and other debris, will cost from 75 cents to $4.00 to 
remove a cubic yard from the ground to a distance not 
exceeding 100 yards. This includes digging, loading, 
chopping and unloading. 


SOME ROUGH APPROXIMATE PRICES 

Digging in ordinary soils, not more than 6 feet in 

depth, per cubic yard. $0.50 

Ditto, above 6 feet in depth, and not exceeding 

10 feet, per cubic yard.54 

Ditto, above 10 feet and not exceeding 14 feet in 

depth, per cubic yard.52 

In heavy soils, allow extra, per cubic yard.09 

Preparing for foundations, including filling in and 

ramming, per cubic yard.50 

Reducing the ground to the required level, the 
average depth not to exceed 18 inches, per 

yard super.18 

Wheeling ground, clay, or gravel in barrows, 20 

yards run, or less.10 

Ditto, for every other 20 yards, or part of a run 

beyond the first 20 yards.07 

Carting and shooting, or delivering ditto, not 

exceeding 1 mile. 1*50 

Ditto, for every additional mile or part of a mile. . .52 

(Tolls if any, to be charged.) 


Calculate wells, not exceeding 8 feet in depth, at 
per foot run— i. e., on the depth. 

Digging and staining dry, in half a brick 4 feet 

6 inches in diameter. 3.30 

Ditto, 5 feet 3 inches. 3.90 

While the foregoing on “excavating” does not cover 
the whole ground, sufficient has been advanced to 
enable the estimator to get a good idea of the require- 













104 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


ments to make a tolerably fair estimate of the cost of 
any excavations that he may be called upon to figure 
up. As I have before stated, the thing in estimating 
to insure fairly correct results is “sound judgment” 
added to experience. The rules and methods, pub¬ 
lished in this and other work, on estimating are simply 
the tools with which the estimator works. If he be a 
good workman, a man of judgment, he will make a 
good job; if not, no matter how good the tools may 
be, the work will show up bad, and the contractor will 
feel himself poorer when the work is finished than 
before he started. 

LAYING DRAIN PIPES, WEEPING TILES, ETC. 

The size of drains are determined by the quantity of 
sewage to be conveyed and the velocity of the sewage 
flow. No house drain should, however, be less than 
4 inches in diameter. They should be laid in perfectly 
straight lines with an even gradient from point to 
point, the necessary junctions or changes of direction 
being within convenient inspection chambers or man¬ 
holes. 

The velocity of the flow of sewage in ordinary house 
soil drains should be about 4£ feet per second (270 feet 
per minute) when flowing full, so that they may be 
self-cleansing when only a normal quantity of sewage 
is passing through them. 

The quantity of sewage and waste water to be 
removed from dwellings, for all purposes, varies from 
25 to 40 gallons per person per 24 hours. The drains 
should be large enough to remove one-half the esti¬ 
mated total daily volume of sewage within six hours. 

Rainfall .—The provision for rainfall should be varied 
according to the district, the average annual rainfall for 



AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 



which can be ascertained. Rain-water drains must be 
sufficiently large to conveniently remove the whole of 
the water which may be expected to fall during the 
prevalence of a heavy storm. 

The average rainfall from roofs in this country may 
be taken at 16 inches per annum, after allowing for 
loss by evaporation, absorption, etc. 

Provision should be made for removing rainfall per 
hour as follows: 


From roofs (measured horizontally).75 inches in depth. 

From paved surfaces.75 “ 

From gravel surfaced.4 “ 

From meadows or grass plots.1 “ 


For ordinary houses, drains having 4-inch branches 
and 6-inch mains are generally sufficient. Villas and 
large houses usually require larger mains, but pipes of 
the smallest size which may be considered adequate 
should be used, as being more self-cleansing than 
larger pipes. 

An easy rule to remember for the purpose of deter¬ 
mining the gradients of drains so as to secure good, 
self-cleansing velocities for the sewage, is the follow¬ 
ing well-known “decimal rule.” Multiply the diam¬ 
eter of the pipe by 10, and the result gives the gradient 
for the drain, viz.: 


Diameter of Drain. 
4 inches .. 


9 “ 

12 “ 


Gradient of Drain. 

.1 in 40 

.1 in 60 

.1 in 90 

.1 in 120 


The maximum velocity and discharge of sewage from 
ordinary drain pipes (i. e., when running nearly full), 
as calculated by the Etyelivein formula is as follows, 










:o6 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


Diameter of 
Pipe. 

Fall. 

Maximum 
Velocity per 
Minute. 

Maximum 
Discharge per 
Minute. 

Inches. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Gallons. 


1 in 

40 

284 

146 

4. \ 

1 in 

50 

254 

131 

1 

1 in 

60 

232 

120 

/ 

1 in 

60 

287 

328 

6.j 

1 in 

70 

265 

303 


1 in 

80 

249 

284 


1 in 

90 

284 

742 

9.] 

1 in 

100 

270 

705 

( 

1 in 

110 

257 

670 

r 

1 in 

120 

285 

1318 

12.] 

1 in 

150 

255 

1177 

( 

1 in 

200 

221 

1021 


Flushing .—Where self-cleansing falls cannot be 
obtained for the drains, periodical and, preferably, 
automatic flushing should be resorted to. 

Rain-water drains .—Where drains are solely used for 
rain-water, much less fall is required than for sewage. 
Generally, a velocity of 2^ to 3 feet per second (150 to 
180 feet per minute) is sufficient in order that the ordi¬ 
nary dust and dirt may be readily washed away; but 
the amount of water to be removed in a given time 
must be allowed for. The drains should be surrounded 
in concrete when passing through buildings or near the 
roots of trees, or wherever they are likely to be 
disturbed. 

Drains should be kept as far away as possible from 
buildings, so that the pipes and joints may not be 
injured or disturbed by any settlement of the walls. 
By this means the risk of sewage or sewer air pene¬ 
trating within the buildings is minimized. For similar 

















AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


107 

reasons the drains should not pass under houses except 
when absolutely unavoidable, and in such circum¬ 
stances heavy cast iron pipes with caulked lead joints 
should be used. 

An unyielding bed on which to lay the drains is 
necessary to ensure sound and permanent work. A 
layer of concrete should therefore be provided under 
the pipes, unless the ground is naturally very hard and 
compact. 

Branch drains should not join the main or collecting 
drains with level inverts. The junction should be 
effected within an inspection chamber or manhole, 
and the branch channels arranged to discharge over 
the channel of the main drain. Care should be taken 
that the branch channels are placed so that they do 
not discharge immediately opposite each other when 
entering the main channel. 

Stable drainage should be kept separate from the 
house drainage in all cases where practicable. 

Covers to inspection chambers should have a clear 
opening of 24 by 18 inches, so that a man may con¬ 
veniently pass through them. 

The materials of which drain-pipes are made varies 
considerably in different localities. Well-burnt stone¬ 
ware pipes of good quality are thoroughly vitrified, 
and when broken present a fine close grain with a 
somewhat metallic appearance. Fire-clay pipes do not 
possess such a dense and close grain, and are more 
absorbent than stoneware pipes. Earthenware pipes 
are quite unsuited for use in house drainage. 

Stoneware drain-pipes should be of the description 
known as “salt-glazed,” so as to obtain an impervious 
and lasting surface. For ordinary house drainage pur¬ 
poses the pipes are usually made in 2-foot lengths. 


io8 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


Specially selected and tested stoneware pipes in 
3-foot lengths may be obtained from manufacturers at 
a slight additional cost over ordinary pipes. “Tested” 
pipes should be capable of withstanding a pressure'of 
25 feet head of water without showing signs of sweating. 

Neat Portland cement is generally used for jointing 
ordinary spigot and socket pipes, or cement and sand 
in the proportions of one part cement to one part 
sand. 

Cement joints must be very carefully formed and 
wiped out as the work proceeds, so as to avoid burrs 
on the inside of pipes. 

Greater security is obtained by adopting one of the 
several well-known forms of patent safety joints now 
made by the leading manufacturers. They are more 
expensive than pipes with ordinary spigot and socket 
joints, but the advantage of obtaining a stronger and 
safer connection more than counterbalances the addi¬ 
tional cost. 

Protection against fracture can best be obtained by 
entirely surrounding the pipes with concrete. A thick¬ 
ness of 6 inches of concrete is usually sufficient for this 
purpose. 

The average thickness and weight of glazed stone¬ 
ware drain-pipes per 2-foot length is as follows, viz.: 


Diameter of 
Pipe. 

Length of 
Socket. 

Thickness of 
Stoneware. 

Average Weight 
per 2 ft. Length 
of Pipe. 

Inches. 

Inches. 

Inch. 

Lbs. 

4 

n 

* 

18 

6 

if 

t 

32 

9 

2 

f 

58 

12 

2 

1 

90 


The cost per foot of these pipes should be obtained 













AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


109 


from the dealer, along with the extra cost of Wys, 
V’s or other connections that may be required, before 
any estimate is made. If the drain-pipes are to be laid 
in concrete, the cost of the concrete and labor of put¬ 
ting it in place must also be added. The digging of 
trenches has been dealt with before, but in making an 
estimate this item of digging and removing the soil 
must not be overlooked. It is not possible to give a 
price for work of this kind unless the size of pipes, 
depth of trench, if or if not bedded in cement or con¬ 
crete, etc., are given; then a price per foot in length 
may be arrived at. 

Cast iron pipes are largely used in high-class drain¬ 
age work. The cost is not much more than that of 
good glazed stoneware surrounded with 6 inches of 
concrete. 

The advantages obtained by the use of cast iron 
pipes as compared with glazed stoneware are as follows: 

1. The pipes are of greater strength. They are 
consequently not so liable to become fractured or 
broken. 

2. Air and water-tight joints can be readily made by 
running with molten lead and caulking. 

3. Fewer joints are required, owing to the longer 
lengths of the pipe. 

For substantial work the iron pipes should be of 
similar thickness and strength as those used for ordi¬ 
nary water mains. They are generally laid in 9-foot 
lengths, with spigot and socket joints run with lead 
and caulked. 

Whenever a drain passes under or through a wall it 
should be of iron, then if any settlement takes place 
the iron will offer a much greater resistance to the 
consequent pressure than glazed earthen tiles would. 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


no 

Weeping tiles may be common field tiles, or they 
may be ordinary drain tiles of small diameter. They are 
made use of occasionally to drain around a foundation 
wall, or to drain under the concrete floors of a cellar. 

When field tiles are employed they butt at the joints, 
which are not made tight, as water is intended to enter 
the pipes at every joint. The same, also, with ordi¬ 
nary tiles, the joints being left loose so that water may 
enter at every joint. 

The cost of laying weeping tiles is very small, as a 
man will lay 30 or 40 feet per hour, but the cost of the 
tile themselves must be considered. There will be no 
excavating for these tiles, as, in the case of a cellar, 
the tiles are laid on about the same level as the foun¬ 
dation; the tiles are laid on a level, and against the 
footings. Of course, the tiles in both cases must lead 
into the main drain, and this may necessitate some 
extra digging. 

FOUNDATION FOOTINGS 

In placing footings a special rate should be made, as 
much more care and time is required in getting good 
flat stones of the proper thickness, and leveling them 
on their beds, than in laying an ordinary wall. In 
my own practice I have usually charged up 50 per 
cent more per cord for footings than for the other por¬ 
tion of stone wall, and this additional charge has been 
found not a bit too much in most cases. If the foot¬ 
ings are of concrete, as is generally the case now, then 
this must be charged in accordance with the rules 
given under the head of concrete. Concrete footings 
may be flat or they may have a broad base and narrow 
top, just wide enough to take the walls, whether of 
brick or stone. 




AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE iu 

The three illustrations shown at Fig. 7 give an T dfea 
ol both concrete and stone footings. The first is con¬ 




crete having a rectangular section, or it may be inclined 
from the outside. The second is formed of five thick¬ 
nesses of dimension stones drawn in towards the top. 
This is intended to carry a very heavy wall. The third 
is formed of two thicknesses of dimension stones, but 
is not drawn in. All three of these are good examples 
for footings, but 

t 


they do not by any 
means cover the 
whole ground; an¬ 
other example is 
shown at Fig. 8. 
This is a section 
and is intended to 
carry a high and 
heavy wall. The 
concrete is 18 
inches thick and 


• 2-5 


~XrT 


* t 


«- 6 ’ 


T 




Concrete 

Footings. 

Fig. 8 


\ 


fully 5 feet G inches across. In estimating for this, the 
concrete must be figured at so much per cubic yard, and 
full allowance made for wheeling and dumping. The 
brick or stone work above, until the level of the 
ground is reached, should be charged up about 10 per 
cent above the regular rates. 

If footings are laid in with ordinary quarried stoaes 















































112 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


without dressing, the cost will be about $5.00 a cord of 
100 cubic feet, exclusive of all materials. Cost of 
materials, stone and mortar, to be added, and if laid 
in cement the cost will be a trifle more. 

Ordinary quarried stone laid in the wall, set in good 
lime mortar, is worth at the present time $6.50 per cord 
of 100 feet in the wall for setting. 

In buying rough quarried stones by the cord, which 
is the usual way in most of the states and Canada, the 
purchaser is supposed to receive 128 feet cubic in the 
rough, but the mason’s measurement, including mortar 
joints, is 100 cubic feet in the wall for one cord; and 
when he buys he expects to pay for the 100 feet per 
cord and to receive pay on the same basis. 

In putting in stone foundations as above, the esti¬ 
mator must make provision for all openings, and when 
cut stone or cement sills and lintels are used for doors 
or windows, they must be charged up extra by the run¬ 
ning foot. All ventilators must be extra items and 
duly charged. Figure for all openings for drain¬ 
pipes, water, gas, or other pipes entering the basement 
or cellar. All areas must be figured on by the yard 
super., if in cement or stone, according to prices 
given; steps, walls and copings must all be measured 
off and charged up according to size and material. 
Prices, if not found in this work, must be ascertained in 
the locality where the work is to be executed. 

Sills and lintels, in either stone or cement, may be 
bought from the dealer by the foot super, or cubic 
foot, and price lists of same may be obtained from the 
manufacturers. 

Footings and basement or cellar walls are some¬ 
times specified to be made damp-proof, and the archi¬ 
tect sometimes shows how the walls are to be con- 





AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


113 

structed so as to be damp-proof. I show two methods, 
both of which are expensive but certain in result. Fig. 
9 shows a concrete 
footing with a section 
of concrete carried 
up the walls to the pamp-proof 
height of top of cellar 
floor, which is also of 
concrete 4 or G inches 
thick. A damp-proof 
course of slate or as¬ 
phalt is shown on a 
line with cellar floor, 
and is continued on the outside wall to a point above 
the line of ground. This is an effective method. In 
this case the concrete is worth from 10 to 15 per cent 

more to put in place than if 
a simple footing as above. 
Damp-proof course is 
worth from 15 to 25 cents 
a running foot, according 
to the thickness of the 
wall. 

The footing shown at 
Fig. 10 is a still more ex¬ 
pensive one. Here is a 
wide footing in concrete 
and a double wall for a 
portion of the height. 
There is a damp course of 
slate laid at L in the main 
wall and level with the finishing coat of cement, M, on 
the cellar floor. The outside wall, R, is simply to hold 
back the soil on the outside, thus forming a 12-inch 



Fig. 10 


































































U4 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


space between the walls for air and to avoid damp. 
Concrete is thrown in between the walls below to a 
thickness of 8 or 10 inches, thus preventing any damp 
from attacking the main wall. The space between the 
two walls is covered over at the top with a stone slab, 
J, which prevents any rain or other water from gaining 
entrance. 

Here we have several new items to figure on. Extra 
bricks in outside wall, covering slab, concrete in air 
space and damp course. Figure the concrete by the 
yard cubic, the slab by the running foot, the extra 
bricks in the usual manner and the damp course same 
as before mentioned. 

We are now in a position to describe some of the 
methods of estimating as mentioned in previous pages, 
and will endeavor to do so before entering into detail 
estimating. 

As I have stated before, there are five distinct 
methods of estimating, namely, by rough quantities, 
by the square, by the unit of accommodation, by 
cubing, and by itemizing details. The two latter may 
be considered the best methods of the five, and the 
last the best of all, though the most troublesome. Of 
the first three I will say but little, as they will be apt 
to lead the ordinary contractor into a maze of diffi¬ 
culties that will eventuate in loss of time and money; 
besides, a fairly correct description of them and the 
method of using them have been already presented. It 
may be well, however, to make a few remarks con¬ 
cerning them. 

The cost of buildings is constantly changing, so it 
must be remembered that no matter what prices are 
given in this book the estimator must in every case 
use his own judgment and true knowledge when mak- 










AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


US 

ing up his tender, and add or deduct whatever percent- ' 
age may be necessary to suit the fluctuations in prices 
of labor and materials. During the last decade the 
cost of buildings of every kind has increased from 
30 to 40 per cent; stone and the more elaborate build¬ 
ings have increased in a greater proportion than the 
cheaper kind, owing perhaps to the greater cost of 
expert labor and the more luxurious fitments. Some 
idea of the cost of a proposed building may be derived 
from a study of the proportional cost of the various 
trades. Of course the result will only be approxi¬ 
mate. For instance, in ordinary domestic buildings 
the brick work and masonry will represent from one- 
third to one-half of the total cost, unless the building 
is a frame one, in which case the wood work, including 
labor and hardware, will represent about three-fifths of 
the total cost. The following figures show, from 
actual experience, about the average ratio of costs of 
the various trades for the erection of brick or stone 
dwellings with slate roofs. 

Percentage of 
total cost. 


Excavator and drainage. 3.0 

Bricklayer and mason.36.0 

Slates and roofs. 4.5 

Carpenter, hardware, etc.34.0 

Electric wiring, bells, and fitments. 4.0 

Plasterer, stucco work, etc. 6.0 

Plumber, heating, etc. 8.0 

Painter, glazier, paper hanger. 4.5 


Total.100.0 


Similar tables may be constructed showing the 
average ratio of cost for each of the trades in the erec¬ 
tion of public buildings, schools, churches, theaters, 
etc., and these tables will prove of great assistance to 












Ii6 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


the estimator when figuring up for buildings of a simi¬ 
lar nature. Having the total cost of one building of 
this kind, with the cost of each of the trades named, 
on the same building, the rest is easy, the difference 
in size and character of the two buildings being consid¬ 
ered. This may be considered estimating by compari¬ 
son. If the brick and stone work of one buildingcosts, 
say 10 cents per every cubic foot of the building, then 
the wood work will cost, according to the rule given, 
about 8 cents and a fraction for a foot cubic of the 
whole building, and the other trades in proportion as 
laid down. 

This method is rather arbitrary, and, while given 
here, is not supposed to be quite correct, but when 
properly understood will be found quite useful. 

On the same lines I give another, which may some¬ 
times be employed in determining the cost of labor 
where all materials are furnished. This is a rough 
and ready means of making a comparison, but is pretty 
nearly correct and may sometimes be used to ad¬ 
vantage: 

Percentage to 
total cost 

Excavator. 

Drainage, etc. 

Bricklayer. 

Mason. 

Slater or roofer. 

Tiler .. 

Carpenter.. 

Joiner and hardware. 

Plasterer . 

Plumber. 

Painter. 


Here, then, by this rule we find that if the material 
for the painter cost one-third of any given amount 














Table showing rate 


of Wages taid per Hour in the Building Trades, in Twenty-nine Cities of the United States. Compiled by E. M. Craig, Chicago, III., 


Name of City. 


Buffalo. N. Y. .. 
Baltimore, Md.. 

Chicago, Ill. 

Cleveland, O.. . 

Columbus, O... 

Cincinnati, O... 


Denver, Col. ... 

Duluth, Minn... 
Detroit, Mich... 
Erie, Pa....... • 

Indianapolis, Ind 
Jackson, Mich. . 


Kansas City, Mo.. 
Minneapolis, Min. 


Milwaukee, Wis. 
New York, N. Y. 
Newark, N. J. .. 
Philadelphia, Pa. 

Providence, R. I. 

Portland, Ore.... 

Pittsburg, Pa- 

St. Louis, Mo.... 
Scranton, Pa... . 
S. Francisco, Cal 
St. Paul, Minn... 


Toledo, O. 

Topeka, Kan... 


Tacoma, Wash.. . 
Washington, D.C. 


Masons. 

Brick¬ 

layers. 

Structu¬ 
ral Iron 
Setters. 

Ornamen¬ 
tal Iron 
Setters. 

1 

45 

50 

50 

50 

55 

55 

43} 


60 

60 

56} 

52* 

50 to 55 

50 to 55 

47* to 50 

31}to 43} 

50 

55 

40 


60 

00 

50 

50 

62* to 68} 

62* toCS} 

50 

2.50 to 3.50 




p. day. 

45 

60 

35 

35 

53 

53 

35 

30 

45 

50 



45 to 00 

45 to 60 

40 

40 

50 

50 



50 to 62* 

50 to 62* 

50 

50 

50 

55 

40 

40 

50 

50 

40 

40 

56} 

65 

56} 

56} 

57* 

57 * 

50 


60 

60 

50 

40 


45 



68} 

38} 

47* 


50 

60 

50 

45 

60 

65 

55 

55 

33* 

50 

45 


75 

75 - 

50 

46} 

45 to 50 

50 

35 

40 

55 

55 

40 

40 

45 




68} 

68} 

62* 

62* 

50} 

56} 

50 

31} 


50 

50 

56i 

50 

50 

62* 


55 

56} 

50 

33* 

45 

40 

62* 

56} 


40 

68 * 

57* 

50 

45 

62* 

52* 


Lathers. 


$2 p. M. 


50 

$3 to 3.75 
p. day. 
45 

2.25 p.M. 


3* to 4* 

p. yard. 
45 
43* 

3c. p.y’d. 


tc 

.a .a 

■*-> to 
.2 a 
ou 


43* 

37* 

56* 

35 

30 

37* 


37* 

30 

30 


75 

37* 

561 


50 

50 


62* 

561 


2* to 21 
per yard. 
4.00 p.dy 


30 

50 

55 

43* 

$3 p. day 


40 

62* 

37*- 

50 

47* 


45 

3c. p. yd 


37* 


35 


50 

42* 


35 

62* 


40 

275 to 35 

47* 

37* 

55 
25 


40 

35 


43} 

37* 


o 5 


50 

44* 

56} 

43* 

55 

50 


55 

35 

50 


55 


v 

.o 

a 

3 

s 


561 

50 


50 

62* 

50 

45 

50 

56* 

55 

56} 

00 

62* 

35 to 45 


30 to 45 
37* 


75 

56} 


42* 

45 

50} 

50 

40 

3.50 p.d 

53* 

55 

44 

30 to 35 
44* 
33* 

50 
50 


43* 

56} 

45 

40 

43* 

501 

50 

62* 

40* 

62* 

50 


43* 

40 


8 

<v 

Ba 

ci 

4-5 

CO 


* a 
«sK 

a) 

GO 


56} 

50 


42* 

31} 

56} 

44 

35 

41* 


53* 

50 

44 

30 to 35 
45 to 50 
38 

50 
50 


37* 

56} 

50 

37* 

3H 

56} 

50 

68 * 

40 

62* 

45 


37* 

40 


56} 

43* 


Gas 

Fitters. 


15 

28* 

25 

15 

25 


29} 

25 

' 20 ' 

25 

16* 

21 * 

25 


33* 

30 

19} 

25 

25 

31} 

21 * 

25 ' 

22 ’ 

20 " 


40* 

40 
56} 
43* to 50 

37* 

43* 


53* 

55 

44 

30 to 35 
30 
25 

50 

50 


37* 

66 } 

45 

42* 

311 

47* 

50 


a> 

a 

s 

u 


62 

40 

62* 

50 


37* 

40 


35 
37* 

50 
37* to 40 

35 

37* 


45 

37* 

35 

25 to 30 
30 to 37* 
28 

40 

37* 


35 
56} 

41 
40 

35 

$3 to 3.75 
per day 
43* 

55 

30 

50 

30 to 37* 


30 to 35 
30 to 37* 


Stone 

Cutters. 


50 
40} 

50 

50 to 56} 
50 
50 


56} 

43* to 50 


45 

43* 


50} 

50 

56} 

40 

45 

50 

62* 

50 


50 

62* 

55 

50 

37* 

62* 

SO 

56} 

40 

66} 

50 


50 

45 


50 

45 


374 

31* to 40 

31}to 50 

$1.50 to 2.00 
per day. 


$2.50 to 3.00 
per day, 

35 


Marble 

Cutters. 


50 


50 

50 

31}to 50 

$1.50 to 2.00 
per day. 


$3.00 to 4.00 
per day 
35 


40 

55 


43* to 46* 
50 


27* 

62* 

56} 

50 

41 

62* 

50 

33* 


31} 

30 


20 to 30 
45 


50 

45 


Marble 

Setters. 


50 


40 

55 


43* to 46* 
50 


37* 

62* 

56} 

60 

45., 

62* 

50 

56} 


50 

35 


20 to 30 
45 


50 

45 


.a 

cd 

P* 


37* 


40 

37* 

30 

35 


43* 

35 

32* 

25 

35 

26 to 28 

37* 

37* 


35 
50 
35 
37* 

31} 

$3 to 3.50 
per day 

42* 

45 

34 
43* 

35 


31} 

35 


37* 

37* 


<D M 

'ss V 
9 o 
GO 


a 

<3 


W 


35 

30and up 
50 
37* 

35 

25 


46* 

37* 

32 

25 to 30 
32* to 40 
22}to 30 

42* 

40and up 


35 

50 

45 

40 

31} 

47* 

42* 

50 


37* 

40 
56} 

40* p. hour 
$4 n. day. 
"35 

34* 


46* 

31} to 37* 
35 
30 
35 


37* 

37* 


56} 

40 


30 to 45 
35 


43* 
37* to 30 


50 

50 

'40 

31} 

37* 

50 

62* 

50 

37* to 50 

31} 


50 

30 to 37* 


37* 

431 


a h 

d.a 

SE l2 

fca 

S" 

'cd O 


17 to 20 


30 

25 to 30 
28* to 31} 
20 to 37* 

31} to 37* 
25 

17 to 25 

22| 

17*to 30 
20 to 25 


25 to 30 
25 to 40* 
30 
35 

18}to 25 

$3 to 3.50 
per day. 
35 

42* to 45 
20 
50 

17* to 25 


25 to 28 
18}to 21* 


25 to 28* 
15*to 25 


REMARKS. 


Slag Roofers, 35c per hour. 
Planermeu, 50c. per hour. 
Electrical Flelpers, $2.25 to 
$3.00 per day. 

Electrical Helpers, 20 to 
30c. per hour. 
Electricians asking increase 
in wages. Marble Set¬ 
ters, $4.25 per day, 9 
hours. Cutters 10 hours. 
Plumbers' Apprentices, $1 
to $4.00 per day. 

Plasterer’s work, 4 hrs. Sat. 

Laborers, $2.00 to $2.50 
per day. 

Plumbers’ Laborers, $3.25 
to $3.50 per day. Hoist¬ 
ing Engineers, $4.75 for 
9 hours work. 

Mason Laborers, 35c p. hr. 
See note below. 

jpiumbers' Laborers, 40c. 
per hour. 

Tile Setters' Helpers, 30c. 
per hour. 

Electrical Helpers, $2.50 to 
$4.50 per day. 

See note below. 


Hoisting Engineers can 
work 59 hours per week 
for $25.00. Laborers 
w r ork 10 hours. 

Lathers and Painters work 
8 hours per day, all other 
trades work 9 hours. 

Electrical Helpers, $1 to $2 
per day. 


NoTE.-New York, water proofers, 34fc.; blucstone cutters, 55c.; boiler and pipe coverers, 50c.; house shorers, 34 }c.; cement masons, 55c.; elevator constructor., — 

Note.— St. Louis, slate roofers, 62*c.; foremen, 87*c.; composition roofers, 60c.; granitoid linishers, 60c.; granitoid '^borers, 35c.; granitoid frame setters. 40c.: granitoid block men, 40c. 
Add to the foregoing table 20 per cent at this date, Aug. 1, 1913. The price of labor and material is still advancing and the estimator must take this pert into consideration when making 1 


un a tender.— F. T. H. 













































































































































. . ■ 



.. 




• . . . . . . 

- 1 



■ • * > - • • 

.. ■ 

•• 


. 

' - 








. 










: ‘:i ' 




1 




























\ 1 . . i . . it 1 




\ : i. . . fo' 


. 4 j,{ .i 






















AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


119 

the labor will cost two-thirds of the same amount to 
do the work; and the same method may be applied to 
other trades. The figures must be filled in to suit the 
current prices. 

The average wages paid, at this writing, March, 
1904, according to E. M. Craig, Secretary of the 
Building Contractors’ Council, Chicago, Ill., in 29 
leading cities in the United States, are given in the 
foregoing table. The rates given are in cents per hour, 
with a few exceptions, which are given in days of nine 
hours each. 

This table will aid materially in determining the 
cost of work in and about the cities named. 

In estimating by “rough quantities,” the amount of 
materials and workmanship are first ascertained from 
the drawings and specifications in a broad and com¬ 
prehensive manner, the work being concentrated as 
much as possible, and the whole dealt with as shown 
in the previous paragraphs as this method, which see. 

Estimating by the square has been discussed 
before, but it may be briefly referred to again, as this 
method is quite common in some localities. This 
method is recommended by some authorities as being 
superior to cubing, as it gives a better idea as to the 
character of work and quality of materials, though, I 
must confess, I do not see where the advantages come 
in, for the expert “cuber” must take both those con¬ 
ditions into consideration when deciding on his “con¬ 
stant” for the cost per foot cubic of the building being 
estimated upon. In addition to what has been said 
on this method, I add the following: “The mode is 
to take the constructional shell only, pricing it at so 
much per square; walls, for instance, are taken 
according to their thickness and manner of finishing, 



120 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


whether they be wood, brick or stone. This must 
include all excavating, concreting, plastering, painting 
and paperhanging. The floors must include all joists, 
bridging, ceilings and ornamentations of all kinds. 
The roofs include all that is required to complete 
them, as shown on plans and described in specifica¬ 
tions, and are measured on the slope of the rafter; and 
all the other work, partitions, stairways, and every¬ 
thing in the building, must be treated in like manner, 
and all reduced to squares of 100 feet super. A price 
is then placed on each, and the whole added together. 
Such a system of superficial measurement certainly has 
some advantages, and should be fairly satisfactory, as 
it takes into account the materials and labor in a fairly 
exact manner and form. Of course, as before stated, 
a special list of prices must be compiled for each set 
of squares, the outside walls having one price per 
square, the floors another, and so on until the whole 
of the surfaces have been priced per square. It will 
be seen that care and discrimination are requisite for 
estimating by this method, or serious errors will 
occur. 

As an example of this method of estimating I 
submit the following, which is for a balloon frame 
building put up in the usual manner, and for conven¬ 
ience a space in the building is taken for a basis of 
20 x 20 feet, making four squares. This basis may be 
taken for any portion of the work, i. e., walls, roofs, 
floors, etc. The studding employed is 2x4 inch, 
sized on one side and one edge. The studding is placed 
16 inches from centers and covered with dressed and 
matched boarding. Building paper is next laid on, 
and then first or second clear siding is used. Plates are 
included in the cost and are put on double thickness. 


AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


121 


ANALYSIS OF OUTSIDE WALLS 

19 pieces, 2x4 inch, 20 feet long—247 feet, at 

$20 per M.$ 4.94 

466 feet dressed and matched fencing, at $25.00. . 11.65 
475 feet siding, at $30. 14.25 

11 pounds nails.50 

30 pounds paper, at 2^ cents per pound.75 

Framing and putting in place 247 feet of scantling, 

at $8 per M._ . 1.98 

Laying 4 squares of flooring, at 50 cents per square 2.00 
Laying 4 squares of siding, at $1.12 J per square. . 4.50 

Laying 4 squares, at 12J cents per square.50 

$41.07 

Dividing this sum by 4 gives the price of a single 
square, $10.27. 

The analysis of cost of four squares of roofing, the 
rafters being 2x4 inch scantling, set 2 feet between 
centers, covered with dressed and matched fencing, 
and the best quality of cedar shingles laid 4 y 2 inches to 
the weather, is as follows: 

ANALYSIS OF ROOF WORK 

12 scantlings, 2 x 4, 20 feet long—156 feet, at $20 


per M. $3.12 

466 matched (feet) boarding, at $25 per M. 11.65 

3i M. shingles, at $3 per M. 10.00 

10 pounds nails, 3d.63 

14 pounds nails, 8d and lOd.30 

Framing and putting in place 156 feet 2x4 scant¬ 
ling, at $8 per M. 1.25 

4 squares of roof boarding, at 50 cents per square. . 2.00 

4 squares of shingling, at $1.25 per square. 5.00 

Staging.63 


$34.58 


This sum in turn, divided by 4, gives as the cost of 
a shingle square, $8.64^. 

Note: Make additions for difference in cost of lumber, which 
will be about 20 per cent. Extra price of labor will be now— 
1913—15 per cent ; which add to prices given. 


















122 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


The following is an analysis of cost of four squares 
of flooring, laid on joists 2x8 inches, the flooring 
being selected from No. 1 fencing, and the joists being 
placed 16 inches between centers. Allowance is made 
for doubling where necessary. 


ANALYSIS OF FLOORING 


17 joists, 2x8 inches, 20 feet long—459 feet, at 

$20 per M. 

466 feet of flooring, at $30 per M. 

15 feet of 1 x 2 inch bridging, at 2 cents. 

10 pounds of 8d common nails. 

3 pounds spikes. 

Laying 4 squares of flooring, at 50 cents per square 

Framing 459 feet of joists, at $5 per square. 

Bridging. 


$ 9.18 
13.98 
.30 
.30 
.08 
2.00 
2.30 
.50 


$28.64 


Dividing this amount by 4, as in the previous cases, 
gives $7.18^ as the cost of one square of flooring. It 
may be remarked in this connection that these figures 
are based upon present prices in Chicago. 

The following is an analysis of the cost of an inside 
door, 2 feet 8 inches by 6 feet 10 inches, ly6 inches 
thick, cased and finished complete except the one 
item of painting: 

ANALYSIS OF COST OF DOOR ★ 


Frame, 2-set casing and stops. $2.00 

18 feet of molding, 2£ inches.28 

1 threshold, hardwood.15 

1 first quality door, size as given above. 1.95 

3|-inch mortised lock, bronze face, bolts and strik¬ 
ing plate.63 

Porcelain knobs, plated roses and escutcheons.40 

1 pair of 3J japan butts and screws.25 

Setting frame.25 

Casting up, 2 sides.40 

Putting down threshold.15 

Molding 1 side.20 

Fitting, hanging and trimming door.75 


$7.41 

*Add an additional per cent as given on page 121, 

























AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


123 


The following is an analysis of cost of a four-light 
window, with sash 14x30 inches, 1^6 inches thick, 
check-rail, the window set, cased and finished com¬ 
plete: 

ANALYSIS OF COST OF WINDOW ★ 


Window frame prepared for weights. $2.15 

Sash glazed. 2.10 

20 feet 2^-inch molding.30 

25 feet inside case and window sill.75 

28 pounds of sash weights.56 

Sash cords.18 

Grounds for plastering and putting on.30 

Setting frame.25 

Casting up.55 

Fitting sash.15 

Nails.10 

Sash locks.25 

Putting on sash locks.10 


$7.74 


This example gives the key to the method of esti¬ 
mating by the square, also how to estimate the cost of 
a door or window in place. 

The prices given may not be correct for any other 
place but Chicago, and even then the prices may 
differ in each ward; so the estimator must in this, as 
in all other cases, be sure of his prices before closing 
his tender. I have known the prices for door and 
window frames vary as much as 30 per cent in fac¬ 
tories not a quarter of a mile apart. 

Later on I will give other examples of estimating by 
analysis. 

ESTIMATING BY UNITS OF ACCOMMODATION 

This method of estimating does very well for certain 
descriptions of buildings, such as churches, schools, 
prisons, hospitals, asylums, stables, and buildings of a 
* Add additional as on page 121. 
















124 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


similar kind, but apart from these it has no value, and 
its value in the cases mentioned is not by any means a 
fixed factor. The system is based on the known cost 
of buildings which give so much space to each scholar, 
patient, sitting, horse, or prisoner. Thus, if we know 
how much a stable costs that was built to accommo¬ 
date 20 horses, it is a simple matter to estimate how 
much it cost per one horse space; for if the building com¬ 
plete cost $4,000, that would give the cost per horse at 
$200.00. So, also, with schools. If we know of a 
school for 100 children that cost $10,000, we know 
that each sitting cost $100.00; therefore it is reason¬ 
able to suppose that other schools, everything being 
equal, will cost $100 per sitting. It must not be for¬ 
gotten, however, that conditions are not always the 
same, and while a “jumped” figure of this sort may be, 
and is approximate, it is not always correct, for no 
two buildings, even though they are side by side and 
built concurrently, can possibly be built at the same 
actual cost. I have seen the attempt made on several 
occasions, and the variations amounted to from 3 to 7^ 
per cent; quite a large amount if taken from the 10 per 
cent profits of the work. 

On occasions when time will not admit of even a 
sketch of the proposal being made, this method 
affords oftentimes the only ready means of ascertain¬ 
ing the approximate cost. Similarly, for certain 
minor accessories, when the cost of materials and 
construction varies but slightly for units of the same 
class, as in a range of latrines, etc., the approximate 
cost can be easily determined in this manner. In 
order to give the reader some basis to work on, I sub¬ 
mit a few examples of price for units, which are as 
near as possible average ones for the whole of the 






AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


125 


United States and Canada, and while they may not be 
correct, they may be depended upon as being approxb 
mate. 

Cost of each room in tenements.from $350 to $450 * 

Cost of each room in cottages. “ 290 “ 360 

Cost of each room in residences. “ 320 “ 420 

Cost of each room in villas, etc. “ 450 “ 700 

Cost per patient in asylums. “ 1,400 “ 1,650 

Cost for each soldier in barracks. “ 750 a 900 

Cost of churches, plain, per sitting. “ 45 “ 60 

Cost of churches, ornamental, per sit¬ 
ting. “ 68 “ 134 

Cost of first-class stables, per cow. ... “ 175 “ 195 

Cost of first-class stables, per horse. .. “ 200 “ 225 

Cost of second-class stables, per cow. . “ 120 “ 135 

Cost of second-class stables, per horse. “ 150 “ 165 

Cost of third-class stables, per cow. “ 75 “ 95 

Cost of hospitals, complete, including 

all offices, buildings, etc., per bed “ 1,500 “ 2,200 
Cost of cottage hospitals, per bed.... “ 1,000 “ 1,200 

Cost of general hospitals, per bed. ... “ 500 “ 750 

Cost of isolated hospitals, including 
all necessary offices, buildings, and 

other conveniences, per bed. u 1,750 “ 2,250 

Cost of buildings put up in a hurry for 

temporary occupation, per head. “ 90 “ 100 

Cost of latrines for barracks, per seat. “ 75 “ 100 

Cost of city and town lodging houses, 

per bed. “ 275 “ 375 

Cost of music halls for cities and towns, 

per head. “ 75 “ 125 

Cost of music halls for small towns, 

per head. “ 35 “ 75 

Cost of schools, complete, large cities, 

per scholar. “ 60 “ 100 

Cost of schools in small towns and vil¬ 
lages, per scholar. “ 42 “ 62 

Cost of schools in country places, per 

scholar. “ 35 “ 45 

Schools, infant schools, per scholar. “ 25 “ 35 

* Add to these figures 6 per cent. 
















126 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


Cost of theaters, complete, large cities, 

per seat.from $80 to $110 

Cost of theaters, small cities and towns, 

per seat. “ 48 “ 82 

These examples are given for brick buildings, of 
good style. If the buildings are of stone, from 10 to 
20 per cent must be added, according to the quality of 
the stone and amount of ornamentation. There are 
theaters in New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, and 
other large cities, that cost per seat 50 per cent more 
than I have placed in the foregoing list, but these are 
exceptions to the rule. 

If the buildings are of wood, that is, frame build¬ 
ings, then a deduction of from 10 to 15 per cent may 
be made from the figures given, which will make 
the figures approximately correct. Theaters or 
other buildings, built of bricks and stone, or of 
bricks, stone or terra cotta, cost more than buildings 
built exclusively of bricks, and provisions must be 
made for extra cost whenever this condition exists, 
and much is necessarily left to the judgment of the 
estimator in determining the extra assessment. 

ESTIMATING BY CUBING 

This method, while far from being exact, is, in my 
opinion, a more correct method than either of the 
others presented. At the same time the expert esti¬ 
mator will frequently change his constants to suit 
varying conditions. 

The following list of the cost per cubic foot, of 
buildings named, which was prepared by Mr. Kidder 
several years ago, and published in The American 
Architect , may be of some assistance to those who desire 
to know the cost of similar buildings. I may say, 
however, that it would be safe to add at this time at 
least 10 per cent on the bulk, as the prices of labor and 













AND CONTRACTOR'S GUIDE 


127 


material have advanced sufficiently to warrant that ad¬ 
dition during the past five years. 

I have added to Mr. Kidder's list a few others, but 
as I have been unable to get the most prominent build¬ 
ings that have been erected within the last few years, 
this table is not complete up to date, so far, at least, 
as the cost per cubic foot of the more recent buildings 
is not included. 

TABLE SHOWING DATE OF CONSTRUCTION AND COST PER 

CUBIC FOOT * 


Date 


Cubic 

contents 

Cost per 
cubic foot 

1879 

Central Music Hall, Randolph and 
State Sts. 

1,248,000 

14.4 cts. 

1881 

Borden Block, Offices, Randolph and 
Dearborn Sts. 

840,000 

14.9 “ 

1881 

Brunswick & Balke Fact’y, Superior St 

1,219,200 

5.4 “ 

1882 

Brunswick & Balke Fact’y, Huron St. . 

565,000 

6.2 “ 

1882 

L. Iiosenfeld, Stores and Flats, Wash¬ 
ington and Halsted Sts. 

885,456 

10.7 “ 

1882 

Hammond Library, Ashland Ave. 

183,300 

19.0 “ 

1883 

Wright & Lawther, Oil-mill, Polk St.. . 

520,000 

6.8 “ 

1883 

R. Knisely, Stores and Flats, MadisonSt 

138,320 

11.2 “ 

1884 

A. Knisely, Factory, West Monroe St.. 

1,412,640 

6.1 “ 

1884 

J. W. Seoville, Factory, Desplaines St. 

697,000 

6.4 “ 

1885 

Zion Temple, Synagogue, Ogden Ave. . 

478,400 

7.9 “ 

1887 

Auditorium Building, Congress St. 

9,128 744 

36.0 “ 

1887 

Standard Club-house, Michigan Ave.. . 

916,917 

12.9 “ 

1888 

A.Loeb & Bro.,Warehouse,Michigan St. 

123,300 

12.9 “ 

1889 

Jewish Training School, Judd St. 

447,854 

10.0 “ 

1891 

A. Loeb & Bro., Flats, Randolph and 
Elizabeth Sts. 

499,531 

10.4 “ 

1891 

Meyer Building, Store, Franklin and 
Van Buren Sts. 

2,099,700 

9.6 “ 

1891 

J. W. Oakley, Warehouse, La Salle and 
Michigan Sts. 

1,390,313 

6.9 “ 

1891 

Schiller Building, 1 Randolph St. 

2,433,440 

30.8 “ 

1893 

Stock Exchange Building, 2 La Salle and 
Washington Sts. 

3,493,500 

33.2 “ 


Note: 1 Sometimes called the German Theatre, 17 stories, 
skeleton construction, faced with terra-cotta. Rich marble work. 
Theatre occupies about 4 stories. Offices above. 2 13 stories, flat 
roof, skeleton construction, rich terra-cotta facing. 

* At this date, Aug. 1, 1913, add to cost per cubic foot, about 
6 per cent. 
























128 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


1886 


The Rookery Building, Chicago. Ill., Burn¬ 
ham & Root, Architects. 

Monadnock Building, Chicago, Burnham & 
Root and Hollabird & Roche, Architects 
Rialto Building, Chicago, Burnham & Root, 

Architects. 

Masonic Temple, Chicago, Burnham & Root, 

Architects. 

Chamber of Commerce Building, Boston, Mass 
New England Life Insurance Building, Boston, 

Mass.. 

The Hemmenway Building, Boston, Mass. . . 
Ten Story Office Building, New York City. . 

Board of Trade Building, Montreal. 

Ten Story Office Building, New York City. . . 
Seven Story Office Building, New York City. 
Six Story Office Building, New York City. . . 

A similar building, one front. 

Two Four Story Office Buildings, one front, 

New York City. 

Herald Building, New York City. 

Chamber of Commerce, Cincinnati. 

Wainwright Building, St. Louis, Mo. 

Union Trust Building, St. Louis, Mo. 

Equitable Life Insurance Building, Denver, 

Colo. 

Ernst & Cramer Building, Denver, Colo. 

Masonic Temple, Denver, Colo. 

Crocker Building, San Francisco, Cal. 

Endicott Building, St. Paul, Minn. 

Four Story Office Building, Rhode Island. . . 
Three Story Office Building, Connecticut.. . . 

Three Story Block, Denver, Colo. 

Fourteen Story Hotel, New York City. 

Brown-Palace Hotel, Denver, Colo. 

Denver Athletic Club Building, Denver, Colo. 

Denver Club Building, Denver, Colo. 

Public Library, New London, Conn. 

Howard Memorial Library, New Orleans. . . . 
Public Library, Toronto, Ont. 


Cost per 
cubic foot 

32 cts. 


42$“ 


27 

(C 

58 

U 

29 

(( 

60 

(( 

43 

u 

60 

u 

20 

(C 

50 

u 

37 

a 

2t 

u 

24 

H 

47 

(( 

46 

U 

26 

(( 

241 

u 

27f 

u 

42 

u 

17 

u 

19 

a 

63 

n 

29 

u 

38 

(( 

50 

u 

He* 

00 

u 

44 

u 

30 

u 

18 

u 

24 

a 

36^ 

u 

44 

a 

22 

ft 


Note: These were the actual prices at the time of building, 
blit would cost at least 25 per cent more now, 1913. 





























AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


129 


Fire-Proof Hospital Building, New York.... 40 cts. 

Six Story Hospital Building, New York. 32 ** 

Hill Theological Seminary, St. Paul, Minn. . . 11 “ 

Wingate Hall, State College, Owno, Me. 10 '* 

Grammar School Building, Denver, Colo. ... 9^ ‘* 

Grace M. E. Church, Cambridgeport, Mass. . 8f ** 

Christ M. E. Church, Denver, Colo. 20 ** 

City Dwellings (of brick) in Chicago.17 to 20 ** 

City Dwellings (of wood), Eastern towns. ... 11 ** 

First-class Stone Homes in Denver, Colo.... 27 ** 

Brick Houses, Modern Improvements. 14 ** 

Cheap Brick Houses, 8-roomed, about. 10 ** 

Cheap Wooden Houses, 8-roomed, about. ... 7§ ** 

“Veneered” Houses, Two-story. 8 ** 

Rough-cast Cottages, First Class. 61** 

Rough-cast Cottages, Second Class. 5| ** 


Rough Wooden Sheds, Barns, Stables, etc. 3J to 5 ** 

From the foregoing table the average cost of build¬ 
ings of any description may be approximately deter¬ 
mined. The highest figures shown are those for the 
Crocker building of San Francisco, Cal., the cost per 
cubic foot being 63 cents; the lowest amounts given 
being for rough wooden sheds, barns, etc., which are 
put down at from 3^4 to 5 cents per cubic foot. These 
last figures seem a little large for the kind of work 
mentioned, but they are handed me by a builder who 
has had a large experience in these kinds of buildings. 

While the foregoing deals altogether with the cubic 
foot, the same principle may be applied to yards or 
perches or any other fixed dimensions, and as an 
example I give herewith a table of miscellaneous mat¬ 
ters that will be found very useful when estimating: 

TABLE SHOWING PRICES OF WORK OF VARIOUS KINDS 
* Spruce lumber per M. in place on roof 


or floor.$25.00 

H. P. per M. matched, nailed and 

finished on roof or floor.. 35.00 


* Add 25 per cent to these prices at the present date. 1913. 












HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


H. P. per M. matched rafters and 

joists finished on roof or floor.„. . 

Slate roof, no boarding, per square. . . from 
Slag and gravel roof, no boarding. . . 
Composition roof, no boarding, per 

square. 

Wood shingle roof, no boarding, per 

square. 

Tin roof, with boards, per square.... 
Corrugated iron roof, no boarding, 

per square. 

Steel stamped shingles, no boarding, 

per square. 

Common brick work, per cubic foot. . 

Public masonry, per cubic yard. 

Concrete, per cubic yard. 

Cut stone pier caps, per cubic foot. . 

Piles driven in place, per lin. foot. . . 
Earth excavation, per cubic yard. . 


ii 


u 


ii 


(( 


a 


a 


ii 


ii 


a 


a 



. .$30.00 

$7.25 

to 

12 50 

5.00 

ii 

7 00 

2 00 

u 

5.00 

3.25 

a 

5.20 

9.75 

<( 

13.00 

7.20 

u 

10.00 

4 50 

a 

6.00 

.28 

a 

.38 

4.00 

a 

7.50 

5 50 

a 

8 00 

1 75 

ll 

2.25 

.25 

ii 

.30 

.50 

u 

.52 


.48Jc. pei lb 


Steel beams in place and secured in place. 3|c. per lb 

Plain castings in Sit. 2^c. per lb 

Corrugated iron No. 22 gauge, in place, per super foot .071 

Galvanized iron flashings, per square foot.11 

Door frame and doors, finished, per square foot. 

Window frames and windows, per square foot. 

Sash, glazed and painted, per square 

foot .from $0.16 to $C 

Gutter and conductor pipes, per lin. 


r o 

• «v — 


r « 

lJ £ 


. — 


foot . 

ll 

.25 

ii 

.30 

Wood stairs. 3 feet wide, straight, 

per step. 

It 

3.00 

ii 

3.25 

Iron stairs, 3 feet wide, straight, per 

step. 

ll 

7.00 

<( 

10.00 

Steel shutters, rolling, per square foot. 

ll 

.50 

ti 

.55 

Louvres, fixed, per square foot. 

It 

.45 

ii 

.55 

Louvres, movable, per square foot . . 

ll 

.70 

it 

.80 

Sheet iron doors and shutters, per 

square foot. 

U 

.35 

<( 

.45 

Skylights, Tinch glass, per square ft. 

(( 

.20 

ii 

2d 

























AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


! 3 r 


Skylights, white glass, per square ft. from $0.18 to $0.20 

Pipe railings, per foot in length. “ .45 “ .55 

Ventilators, round, per foot in length. “ 4.50 “ 10.50 

Metal cornice, per lineal foot. “ .12 “ .30 

It may be useful to my readers to know in a general 
way the cost per cubic foot of a few buildings othei; 
than those already given, and to this end the following 
are presented: 

Public abattoirs, brick, per cubic foot,from $0.14 to $0.16 


Small cottages, brick, per cubic foot. 

U 

.13 

u 

.17 

Country court houses, brick, per cubic 

foot. 

U 

.22 

(( 

.30 

Lunatic asylums, including wards, etc., 

per cubic foot. 

u 

.16 

(( 

.25 

Farm barns, wood, per cubic foot. . . 

u 

.04 

it 

.06 

Farm barns, brick, per cubic foot. . . 

u 

.07 

<( 

.08 

Armories, wood, per cubic foot. 

it 

.09 

(( 

.11 

Armories, brick, per cubic foot. 

a 

.11 

it 

.14 

Armories, stone, per cubic foot. 

u 

.18 

(( 

.26 

Public baths, complete, wood, per 

cubic foot . 

(C 

.14 

it 

.17 

Public baths, complete, brick, per cu- 

bic foot . 

u 

.16 

a 

.20 

Public billiard rooms, wood, per cubic 

foot. 

(( 

.16 

u 

.20 

Public billiard rooms, brick, per cubic 

foot . 

a 

.19 

a 

.24 

Breweries, including all necessary ma¬ 
chinery, tubs, cellarage, coppers, 
cooler, pumps, etc. — 

Wood, per cubic foot. 

u 

.12 

a 

.16 

Brick, per cubic foot. 

u 

.14 

a 

.18 

Stone, per cubic foot. 

it 

.15 

u 

.19 

Single span bridges, brick or stone, 
per foot super . 

it 

5.00 

it 

15.00 

Double or more spans, brick or stone, 

per foot super . 

u 

15.00 

u 

30.00 

M in granite, per foot super . 

u 

32.00 

(( 

50.00 



















132 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


Bungalows and summer cottages, 

wood per cubic foot.from 

Bungalows and summer cottages, 

brick, per cubic foot. 

Plain country churches, wood, per 

cubic foot. 

Plain country churches, brick, per 

cubic foot. 

Plain country churches, stone, per 

cubic foot. 

Churches for cities, stone, per cubic 

foot. < . 

Coach houses, brick, per cubic foot. . 

Colleges, first class, complete, brick, 

per cubic foot. 

Colleges, first class, complete, stone, 

per cubic foot. 

Colleges, second class, complete, brick, 

per cubic foot. 

Underground conveniences, complete, 

per cubic foot. 

Stable for cows, wood, per cubic foot. 

Stable for cows, brick, per cubic foot. 

Stable for horses, wood, per cubic foot. 

Stable for horses,brick,per cubic foot. 

Power plant station, brick, per cubic 

foot. 

Fire engine house, brick, per cubic ft. 

Residential flats, brick, per cubic foot. 

Blacksmith shop, brick, per cubic foot 
Cost of heating, including hot water, 
boiler, pipes, radiators, valves, 
etc., complete for each 1,000 feet 
of cubic contents— 

Churches. 6.00 

Hospitals, and similar buildings. 16.00 

Factories and mills. 10.00 

Dwellings, clubs, etc. 21.00 

These amounts include everything in connection 
with the heating except the boiler house. 


from 

$0.12 to $0.16 

U 

.17 “ 

.19 

u 

.09 “ 

.12 

u 

.12 “ 

.15 

(< 

.14 “ 

.17 

u 

.21 “ 

.40 

u 

.10 “ 

.12 

(( 

.20 “ 

.28 

a 

.25 “ 

.35 

• 

u 

.18 “ 

.22 

a 

bo 

o 

1.40 

a 

.08 “ 

.12 

(( 

.13 “ 

.15 

a 

.10 “ 

.13 

u 

.14 “ 

.17 

u 

.14 “ 

.18 

u 

.14 “ 

.17 

u 

.28 “ 

.36 

u 

.10 “ 

.13 






















AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


133 


Cost per cubic foot of houses built in 
good style of pressed brick fac¬ 
ings, or fine stone, well finished 


in hardwood, oak, or birch.from 

$0.30 to $0.41 

Brick buildings, of less pretensions, 




per cubic foot. 

U 

.27 “ 

.38 

Brick, third class, per cubic foot.... 

U 

.20 “ 

.30 

Brick, fourth class, per cubic foot. .. 

u 

.15 “ 

.25 

Brick, fifth class, per cubic foot. 

Libraries, complete in brick, per cubic 

a 

.12 “ 

.21 

foot. 

il 

.17 “ 

.25 

Libraries, complete in stone, per cu- 




bic foot. 

u 

.19 “ 

.30 

Mortuary chapels, complete, per cubic 




foot. 

u 

.25 “ 

.33 

Museums and similar buildings, per 




cubic foot. 

u 

.23 “ 

.34 

Opera houses, first class, per cubic ft. 

u 

.30 “ 

.40 

Opera houses, second class, per cu. ft. 

u 

.25 “ 

.35 

Opera houses, third class, per cubic ft. 

u 

.22 “ 

.32 

Opera houses, fourth class, per cu. ft. 
Prisons, complete, including padded 

u 

.20 “ 

.28 

cells, per cubic foot. 

il 

.18 “ 

.20 

Cost per cubic foot for tearing down 




old brick buildings, including 
walls, chimneys, partitions, tak¬ 
ing up floors, and removing win¬ 
dow and door frames, sashes, 
doors and finishings, moving 
away debris, cleaning site and 
old materials and stacking up 




brick, joists, frames, lumber, etc. 
The whole cubic contents of 




building to be measured from 
bottom of footings to half-way 
up roof, per cubic foot. 

it 

.01 “ 

.01* 

Frame skating rinks, per cubic foot. . 

il 

.09 “ 

.12 

Brick skating rinks, per cubic foot. . . 

it 

.10 “ 

.13 

Riding schools, with track, per cu. ft. 

u 

.13 “ 

.15 

Sheds, rough, in wood, per cubic foot. 

ll 

.05 “ 

.08 

Sheds, rough, in brick, per cubic foot. 

it 

.08 “ 

.10 











134 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


Sheds, rough, in iron, per cubic foot.from $0.09 to $0.12 


Stores, dry goods, wood, per cubic foot 

U 

.13 “ 

.15 

Stores, dry goods, brick, per cubic foot 
Stores, dry goods, first-class finish, 

U 

.15 ‘ 

.17 

brick, per cubic foot. 

i( 

.20 “ 

.28 

Stores, dry goods, second-class finish, 




brick, per cubic foot. 

u 

.18 “ 

.24 

Stores, dry goods, third-class finish, 




brick, per cubic foot. 

u 

.16 “ 

.20 

Stores, groceries, wood, good finish, 




per cubic foot. 

u 

.14 “ 

.16 

Stores, groceries, brick, fine finish, 




per cubic foot. 

a 

.16 “ 

.18 

Stores, groceries, brick, first-class fin- 




ish, per cubic foot. 

u 

.18 “ 

.22 

Country or town halls, in brick or 




stone, well finished, classic style, 
with all necessary appointments 
and fittings, marble wainscot and 
other corresponding finish inside 
and out, per cubic foot. 

u 

.32 “ 

.40 

For country, per cubic foot. 

a 

CO 

o 

•N 

.38 

For cities, per cubic foot. 

a 

.36 “ 

.42 

For states, per cubic foot. 

u 

.45 “ 

.55 

For states, with towers, per cubic foot. 

a 

.46 “ 

.57 

Water towers, brick, per cubic foot. . 

u 

.16 “ 

.20 

Water towers, iron, per cubic foot. . . 

u 

.17 “ 

.20 

Water towers, stone, per cubic foot. . 
Model cottages, stone dressing, brick, 

u 

.20 “ 

.22 

per cubic foot. 

u 

.13 “ 

.16 

Model cottages, stone dressing, sec- 




ond class, per cubic foot. 

il 

.12 “ 

.14 

City flats, brick, per cubic foot.*. 

(( 

.28 “ 

.30 

City flats, stone, per cubic foot. 

u 

.30 “ 

.32 

City flats, stone and brick, per cubic ft 
Street arches for gala days, if of rough 

a 

.29 “ 

'.31 

wood, covered with bunting, 
mottoes, evergreens, and similar 
materials, and are only tempo¬ 
rary, per cubic foot. 

u 

.04 “ 

,08 























AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


135 


Better-class arches, plastered, etc., 

per cubic foot.from $0.07 to $0.12 


If made with staff and moulded, and 

have statuary, per cubic foot. . . “ .10 “ .25 

Permanent arches, in stone, per cu. ft. “ .55 “ 1.00 

Permanent arches, first class, in mar¬ 
ble, per cubic foot. “ 1.25 il 3.00 


City parks—exclusive of land—walks, 
drives, lakes, buildings, roads, 
gates, walls, rustic bridges, and 
other things in connection with 
well-appointed parks, per acre— 

First class. 

Second class. 

Third class. 

Fourth class. 

Fifth class. 


$3,000.00 

2,500.00 

1,800.00 

1,000.00 

600.00 


Parks in country towns, or large villages where 
exhibition buildings, offices, and stables 
are kept, in conjunction with a race-course, 
and the area not less than twenty-five acres, 
the total cost of artificial work, including 
rough buildings, should not be more than, 


per acre . 



. $575.00 

Cost of exhibition buildings, of w 

ood, 




First class, per cubic foot. . 

. . .from 

$0.09 to $0.11 

Second class, per cubic foot 

• • • 

U 

.06 “ 

.09 

Third class, per cubic foot . 


U 

.05 “ 

.07 

Fourth class, per cubic foot 

• • * 

u 

.04 “ 

.06 

Fifth class, per cubic foot. . 



.03 “ 

.05 

Exhibition buildings for pigeons, 




cows, horses, sheep, poultry, 

etc. 




First class, wood, per cu 

ft.. 

fom 

$0.08 to $0.10 

Second class, wood, per cu.ft 

U 

.07 “ 

.09 

Third class, wood, per cu. ft. 

(( 

.06 “ 

.08 

Fourth class, wood, per cu.ft. 

u 

.05 “ 

.07 

Fifth class, wood, per cu. ft. 

u 

.03 “ 

.05 


These items cover most of the ground for cubing, 
and are taken from the best authorities on the subject 

Note: Add 25 per cent to these prices at the present date, 1913. 
















136 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


and from actual experience, and are quite sufficient 
for the ordinary purposes of the estimator who is likely 
to purchase this book. 

As I have stated before, the cube rate cannot be 
relied upon for work of exceptional elaboration. The 
cubes generally published are intended to apply chiefly 
to buildings of a plain character in their several 
classes, and it would be of value if this circumstance 
were taken into account in fixing upon the rate. 
Precision can, however, only be attained by a general¬ 
ization from extensive experience. The rates must be 
taken as general guides in forming an estimate of cost, 
and in all cases the experience of the expert estimator 
can alone give value to the system. There can be no 
comparison between a large block of stores and an 
elaborately fitted up hotel. The one is comparatively 
simple to the other; the decoration to the hotels in an 
avenue would alone increase the cost per cubic foot. 
The materials may be the same, brick or slone, with 
the same kinds of materials for finish, but the cost of 
labor, sizes of rooms, difference in walls, in heating, 
in plumbing, etc., would make a vast difference in the 
cost per foot, as an authority says on this subject: “I 
think the probabilities are that the cubing of a building 
100 feet high would be higher than that of a building 
50 feet high. It altogether must depend upon whether 
the larger building and the higher building has rooms 
of nearly the same size as the smaller building. No 
doubt the higher building would require thicker walls, 
but immediately you get away from comparatively 
small rooms into very large cubic spaces, then the 
difference in price is not great.” 

In fewer words we may say that the cost per foot 
cube of a building depends mainly upon the divisional 



AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


137 


internal walls and floors; the more numerous the rooms 
into which the space is divided, the greater the cost. 
Height is certainly a factor of cost, as a high building 
requires thicker walls; scaffolding and labor become 
expensive. But if we take two buildings, one twice 
the superficial area of the other, but of the same 
height, the difference per foot would entirely depend 
on the interior division and elaboration of plan. But 
to say that the cubing of a bigger and higher building 
is pro rata higher than for a smaller and lower one is 
a proposition that does not always hold. It is so only 
when the rooms are about the same dimensions in both 
cases. It would, for instance, be absurd to cube a 
large public hall with the usual rooms at a higher ratio 
than a small villa residence, because it was larger or 
higher. In plain English, the greater internal space 
and vacuities the less charge must be placed on the 
cube foot. 

With regard to ornamental fa£ades of wrought 
stone, a considerable addition per foot must be made 
upon the cost of a plain brick front- To cube both at 
the same figure would be wrong. 

It may be asked, then, would any successful builder 
take a contract on the figures derived from cubing? 
We may answer that half the estimates now made by 
architects, in their private and public capacities, are 
made by cubing, and that contractors are to be found 
who would willingly take the risk of carrying out work 
in that manner. The two most perilous rocks upon 
which the cuber comes to grief are those of taking a 
figure without the verification of experience, and not 
making any allowance for internal elaboration of plan 
and decoration. 


138 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


ESTIMATING BY DETAIL QUANTITIES 

We now come to the only method on which the 
small contractor can depend, and which is always 
reliable if the estimator only does his duty properly 
and refrains from “jumping” at the prices, a trick 
many estimators employ to evade a little work in 
figuring. 

I have given, in the first pages of this work, a 
detailed method of estimating for excavating, ditch¬ 
ing, rough walling, concreting, and other like matters, 
to which the reader is referred when he is called upon 
to estimate on such work, so I will now make a depart¬ 
ure and reproduce a system, corrected and brought up 
to date, which I published in The Builder and Wood¬ 
worker of New York, in February, 1879, and which, in 
my opinion, has never been improved. The system 
was quite popular and many thousand copies of it have 
been sold. Insurance appraisers and others have 
made it a “text-book” to some extent, and used it 
with the adjustment of prices, of course, to suit the 
time and locality. 

The list of items given in former pages must be fol¬ 
lowed, but there will be many others that will crop up 
which the estimator must provide for when preparing 
his tender, and these he should make a note of for future 
reference. It would be well to copy the items I have 
given in a good-sized book, leaving a generous margin 
for any remarks or notes it may be necessary to make, 
and new items should be entered as they appear. 

We will suppose the building to be figured on is to 
be a balloon frame; the total cost of it can be closely 
calculated when the price of material and wages per 
day or hour are known. 

First, mark on the plan, in plain figures, all the 



AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


139 


dimensions and measurements in the building on which 
you are to estimate. Next, get the lineal measure¬ 
ment of all the sills, and from their size estimate the 
number of feet, board measure. Retain the lineal 
measurement, as from that the labor amount is esti¬ 
mated. The labor on the sills may be summed up to 
three kinds: First, framing without gains for joists or 
mortises, for studding as in common building when 
the studding is spiked to the sills and the joists rest on 
their top. Second, with mortises for studding, gains 
for joists, or studding without mortises. Third, with 
both mortises and gains. 

Sills, 6x8, framed and placed in the building by the 
first, second and third processes, will cost for labor 
about 3, 5 and 7 cents per lineal foot. Sills, 12 x 16, 
double above prices. The intermediate sizes can be 
approximated from the above figures. 

Joists are ordinarily placed 16 inches from center to 
center, and when so placed the number of joists on a 
given floor can be found by taking f of the length of 
the building and adding one joist where they are 
placed on top of the sill, and deducting one where the 
end sills are used in place of joist. First floor joists 

usually are 2 x 8 to 2 x 14. Second floor 2 x 8 to 2 x 12. 

* 

Ceiling joists, where no floor rests thereon, are 2x6 
to 2 x 8. 

Two men will frame and place in a wood building, 
not exceeding three stories, 600 lineal feet of joists, 
in size from 2 x 6 to 2 x 14 stuff, in one day of 8 hours. 

In brick buildings not exceeding three stories, 
including anchoring and leveling up, 400 feet. Fourth 
story work, 350, and fifth story, 275 lineal feet. 

The cost per lineal foot can be had from the above 
figures. 


140 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


When joists are doubled under chimneys or parti¬ 
tions, the number of joists so used must be added to 
the result above named. 

In balloon frames no braces are used. In timber 
frames they are made as follows: 

1st. Cut off plain, spiked in, or “flat foot.” 

2d. With short tenons, and 3d, with long tenons and 
pinned. Braces vary in size from 4x4 to 6x6. The 
cost of labor will not vary on account of difference in 
size. The first pieces will cost 3 cents, the second 3J 
cents, and the third 4p cents per lineal foot, framed 
and placed in the building. 

The plates in a balloon frame are made of scantling 
of the same size as the studding, and are worth to 
get out and spike to the frame 2 cents per lineal 
foot. 

In timber frames the labor on plates is: (1) framing 
without braces or gains for rafters; (2) framing with 
braces and no gains for rafters; (3) framing with both 
braces and gains. An average price for labor on 
plates in sizes from 4x6 to 6x10 would be: first 
process, 3 cents; second process, 5 cents; third 
process, 7 cents per lineal foot. From 8 x 12 to 12 x 16, 
respectively, 6, 8 and 10 cents per lineal foot. This 
includes placing them in the building. Plates laid on 
walls are worth the same as plates spiked on the 
joists. 

Posts in balloon frames are merely double-studding. 
The cost of placing them in position is the same as for 
studding. 

Posts for timber frames are framed, first, with tenon 
top and bottom; second, the same, with one set of 
braces with girth or beam mortises; and third, the 
same, with two sets of girth or beam mortises. 






AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


141 

By the first process posts from 4 x 6 to 8 x 10 wouia 
cost 6 cents. Second process, 8 , and the third proc¬ 
ess ,10 cents per lineal foot to frame and place in the 
building. 

Studding for balloon frames is usually placed 16 
inches from center to center. They vary in size 
from 2 x 4 to 2 x 6 . Occasionally odd sizes are used, 
as 2 J x 4, 2x5, or 3 x 4. In an ordinary size 
frame building two men will lay out and raise 800 
lineal feet of 2 x 4 studding per day, or 750 feet of 
2 x G -. 

At $4 per day, the first would cost $ 1.00 per 100 
lineal feet. The latter, $ 1 . 20 . The labor of spik¬ 
ing of joists and plates being considered under their 
respective heads, the work on studding is simply con 
fined to tenoning and studding on end, or spiking them 
to the sills. 

A short rule for getting the number of pieces of out¬ 
side studding, including plates, and allowing for 
doubling at all corners, and for windows and doors, is 
simply had by allowing one piece of studding for 
every foot of outside measurement. 

This rule for buildings having many angles, where 
studding must be doubled, approximates very closely 
to the true result. In smaller buildings, without any 
angles, it will somewhat overrun. 

The exact number of pieces of studding on the out¬ 
side of building may be found by taking three-fourths 
of the number of feet in the outside measurement of 
the building; add one stud for each corner and angle, 
and one for each door and window. To this add for 
plate and gable studding. 

Three-fourths of the number of lineal feet of all 
partitions will give the number of pieces required. 


142 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


Their length, of course, depends upon the height of 
the rooms. 

The cost of labor is the same as for outside stud- 
ding. 

It frequently happens that the studding is not double 
for doors and windows, and occasionally the extra stud 
for the corners in omitted. 

Ribs for studding are usually made from 1 to I £ inch 
stuff, and will cost to lay out and nail to the studding 
about 1 cent per lineal foot. The purpose for these is 
to support the upper joist. 

Three-fourths of the width of the building, less one, 
gives the number of pieces required for gable; the 
average length of each piece is the distance from the 
plate to the ridge of the roof, or what is termed the 
rise of the rafter. 

Rafters are designated as main or principal rafters, 
hip, jack, and valley rafters, and plain rafters. 

The long rafters of a hip roof are called the main or 
principal rafters. 

The shorter ones are called jack rafters. 

A plain rafter is the ordinary rafter used in straight 
gable roofs. 

The projection of a rafter is the distance it extends 
beyond the plate, or the length of the look-outs. 

The rise of a rafter is the height on a perpendicular 
line from the plate to the ridge of the roof. 

The gain of a rafter is the difference between the 
run and its length. 

The run of a rafter is the distance from the outer 
edge of the plate to a point immediately under the 
ridge of the roof, or one-half the width of the build¬ 
ing. 

For a common rafter, to the square of the rise, add 







AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


M3 


the square of the run. The square root of their sum is 
the length of the rafter from the outer edge of the 
plate to the ridge of the roof. 

The rise of a rafter is found by multiplying the num¬ 
ber of inches rise required by the run by one-half the 
width of the building. 

The rise in one-quarter pitch is one-quarter the width 
of the building. In a one-third pitch, one-third the 
width of the building. In.a one-half pitch, one-half 
the width of the building, etc. 

A common rafter can also be found as follows: 
If the roof is one-quarter pitch, to the square of one- 
quarter of the width of the building add the square of 
one-half the width of the building. The square root 
of the sum will be the length of rafter required. If a 
roof is one-third pitch square, one-third of the width 
of the building. If one-half pitch square, one-half the 
width, etc., and then proceed with the balance of the 
rule. 

Required the length of rafters for a building 24 feet 
wide, gable roof, and one-quarter pitch. 

One-fourth of 24 equals 6; i of 24 is 12. Squaring 
both gives 36 and 144, or 180; the square root of which 
is 13.416 feet, or length of rafter required. 

Rule for estimating the length of rafters for hip 
roofs where they are of equal lengths: 

Get the length of the main rafter by using the rule 
for common rafters. Then divide the length of the 
main rafter into one more space than the number of 
rafters required. The length of the space is the length 
of the shortest jack rafter, and the length cf each 
studding rafter is simply the space added to the length 
of the preceding one. 

Example— Main rafter, 24 feet. Number of jack 


144 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


rafters required, 7. Hence the number of spaces would 
be 7 + 1, or 8. Dividing 24 by 8 gives 3 feet as the 
length of the shortest rafter. The next would be 6 
feet, then 9 feet, 12 feet, 15 feet, 18 feet, 21 feet, and 
then comes 24, or the main rafter. 

Common rafters on shingle roof are placed from 16 
to 24 inches from center to center, according to the 
length and weight of roof required; generally 2 feet is 
the distance. 

The number of rafters in a plain gable roof is found 
by dividing the length of the building by the distance 
the rafters are apart from center to center, to which 
add 1; the result is the number of pairs of rafters. 

Cost of Training Rafters. —Two men in one day will 
frame and place in the building 600 lineal feet of 2 x 4 
or 2 x 6 rafters—roof, plain gable. 

In a hip roof, including framing for deck, if any, 250 
feet is a fair day’s work. 

The former would cost $1.00 per 100 lineal feet, and 
the latter $2.10 per 100 lineal feet. 

The contract price for framing one and a half, two, 
and two and a half story houses, in many of the West¬ 
ern states, averages $1.15 per 100 lineal feet of all the 
bill timber. 

In all the framing labor thus considered, reference 
is had to soft wood only. If hard wood is used a fair 
addition to the prices would be 40 per cent. 

If any of the work is circular, segment or octagonal, 
an addition must also be made, varying from two to 
four times the prices herein charged. 

Lookouts for Hip Roofs. —An average length would be 
20 inches. These are made of inch stuff and nailed to 
the rafters. They are worth, to get out, furnish mate¬ 
rial and place in position, 22 cents each. 





AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


MS 

The siding to a building is either drop siding, lap 
siding, dressed barn boards, or rough barn boards. 

The number of feet of drop or lap siding is found by 
multiplying the outside measurement of the building 
by the height of the posts, to which add for gables, if 
roof is a gable roof, the product of the width of the 
building by the height from the plate to the ridge of 
the roof. This gives the number of surface feet, to 
which add one-fifth for lapping, and you have the 
number of feet board measure. 

Two men will put on 700 feet in one day of drop 
siding when the window-casings and corner-boards are 
placed over the siding. Where joints are made 
against casings and corner-boards, 400 to 500 feet is a 
day’s work. 

Of lap siding, 650 feet. This includes putting up 
staging. Making the prices per square: Drop siding 
by the first method, $1.00; second method, $1.40 to 
$1.50. Lap siding, $1.20. 

Two men will put on 2,000 feet of rough barn boards, 
or 1,500 feet of surfaced barn boards [n one day, and 
will put on 2,000 feet of dressed battens, or 3,000 of 
rough battens. Hence the price would be: rough barn 
boards, 35 cents per 100 feet or one square; surface 
barn boards, 40 cents per 100 feet or one square. 
Dressed battens, 35 cents per 100 lineal feet. Rough 
battens, 25 cents per 100 lineal feet. 

Hoofs.—The area of a plain gable roof is had by 
multiplying the entire length of the rafters by the 
length of the building, including the projection of the 
cornice This gives one side; doubling it gives the 
total square feet of roof. 

Hip Roofs,—Get the entire outside measurement of 
the building, including the projections of the cornice. 



146 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


Multiply this by the length of the principal rafter and 
take one-half; the result is the area of the root. 

Hip Roof with Deck.—To the outside measurement of 
the deck, add the outside measurement of the building 
as above. Multiply this by the length of the principal 
rafter, and take one-half for the area of the roof. 

Roof boards for plain gable roofs are worth 50 cents 
per square to put on the building, and for hip roofs 75 
cents per square. 

If roof boards are matched stuff for tin or slate roof, 
charge $1.25 per square for gable and $1.50 per square 
for hip roofs. 

Shingles.—The average width of a shingle is 4 
inches. Hence when shingles are laid 4 inches to the 
weather, each shingle averages 16 square inches; and 
900 are required for a square of roofing. 

If 41 inches to one another, 800 will cover a square. 

If 5 inches to one another, 720 will cover a square. 

If 5| inches to one another, 655 will cover a square. 

If 6 inches to one another, 600 will cover a square. 

This is for common gable roofs. In hip roofs, 
where the shingles are cut more or less to fit the roof, 
add 6 per cent to above figures. 

A carpenter will carry up and lay on the roof from 
1,500 to 2,000 shingles per day, or 2 to 2-J- squares of 
plain gable roofing, so that an average price per square 
for simply laying the shingles would be $1.75. Add 
50 cents for laying the roof boards, and the labor 
account on a common shingle roof would be $2.20 per 
square. 

Tin Roofs.—A sheet of roofing tin is 14 x 20 inches, 
and a box of tin contains 112 sheets. 





AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


147. 


Allowing the usual amount for side ribs and top and 
bottom laps, a box of tin will cover 182 square feet, 
and is worth about $7.00 per box. 1 C. charcoal. 

Laying a box of tin will cost as follows: 


1 box 1 C. charcoal tin.. $7.00 

10 pounds solder. 2.00 

Preparing tin for roof. 2.00 

Laying tin, 1 1/5 days..". 5.00 


Valleys.—Tin valleys for shingle roofs are generally 

14 inches, and for slate roofs 20 inches wide. An 

average price put on the roof, including material, 

would be 15 cents per square foot. One man will lay 
1|- squares per day of valleys, in plain work; when 

roof is steep or valleys cut up, 1 square is a day’s 
work. 

Flashings.—Tin flashings for chimneys and where 
one part of a building joins another are worth, put on, 

15 cents per square foot. 

Gutters and Spouts.— 

Gutters, 4-inch, are worth, put up, 16 cents per lin. foot. 
Gutters, 5-inch, are worth, put up, 18 cents per lin. foot. 
Gutters, 6-inch, are worth, put up, 20 cents per lin. foot. 
Down spouts, 2-inch, are worth, put up, 14 cents per lin. foot. 

Down spouts, 3-inch, are worth, put up, 16 cents per lin. foot. 

Down spouts, 4-inch, are worth, put up, 18 cents per lin. foot. 

Down spouts, 6-inch, are worth, put up, 35 cents per lin. foot. 

Slate Roofs.—The price per square for slate roofs 
can be had of slaters in any of our towns and cities. 

They will vary from $10 to $11 or $14 to $20 per 
square. 

The following table will be found useful to the esti¬ 
mator. 






£48 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


slater: memoranda 


Names. 

Size. 

1 Gauge for 3 in.Lap nailed 
j in center. 

| Gauge for 3 in. Lap nailed 

1 in. from head. 

1 No. of Squares covered 
| by 1200. 

1 Weight of 1200, First 
| Quality. 

No. required to cover one 

Square at 3 in. gauge. 

1 Weight per Square, First 
j Quality. 

Nails 

required 

per 

Square. 

Iron. 

u 

S 

Pi 

Pi 

o 

O 



in. 


in. 

in. 


cwt. 


cwt. 

No. 

lbs. 

Singles. 

12 

X 

8 

41 

4 

3.0 

18 

400 

6 

800 

5 

Doubles. 

13 

X 

6 

5 

41 

2.5 

15 

480 

6 

960 

6 

Ladies. 

16 

X 

8 

6! 

6 

4.5 

25 

266 

51 

532 

31 

Viscountesses. 

18 

X 

10 

n 

7 

6.2 

35 

192 

61 

384 

2* 

Countesses. . . 

20 

X 

10 

81 

8 

7.0 

40 

170 

5| 

340 

4 

Marchionesses. 

22 

X 

11 

91 

9 

8.7 

50 

138 

5! 

276 

31 

Duchesses.... 

24 

X 

12 

101 

10 

10.4 

60 

115 

5f 

230 

3 

Princesses.... 

24 

X 

14 10| 

10 

12.2 

70 

98 

5§ 

196 

3 

Empresses . . . 

26 

X 

16 11J 

11 

15.2 

95 

79 

61 

158 

31 







A. 






Imperials. 

30 

X 

24 

131 

— 

2.5 

— 

36 

8 

72 

3 

Rags. 

36 

X 

24 

161 

— 

2.2 

— 

25 

9 

50 

31 

Queens. 

36 

X 

24 

161 

— 

2.2 

— 

25 

9 

50 

31 


A.—Squares covered by 1 ton. 


The above sizes sometimes slightly vary, according 
to the quarry. 

Slates are classed according to their straightness, 
smoothness of surface, fair even thickness, presence 
or absence of discoloration, etc. They are generally 
divided into first and second qualities, and in some cases 
a medium quality is quoted. Slates of first quality 
are thinner and lighter than those of inferior quality. 

Rule to find the number of slates required to cover 
one square: One square in inches + width of slate in 
inches x gauge in inches. 

The weight of slating on roofs is 8 pounds per foot 
super, for all sizes, except rags or queens, including a 
3-inch lap and nails. 































AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


149 


As there are two nails per slate, the number required 
per square will be found by doubling the number of 
slates. The trade “thousand,” or “long tally,” equals 
1,200 for buying and selling. 

Nails.—Composition nails are best for all good work, 
as they are stiff and tough. They are cast from an 
al.oy of 7 copper to 4 zinc, and have a yellow, brassy 
appearance. Copper nails are either cast or wrought; 
but they are soft and dear. Malleable iron nails are 
frequently used, dipped while hot in boiled linseed oil 
to preserve them from corrosion. These can also be 
painted or galvanized. Cast-iron nails are only 
employed for temporary work. Zinc nails are very 
soft, and liable to bend, and as their heads come off in 
driving, they make a good deal of waste. 

All these nails are sold by weight, and the price 
should lessen with the increase of length. Allow 5 
per cent for waste in reckoning the number to the 


square. 

Nails for small slates, such as Doubles, etc., 

should be about. ljm- long 

Nails for medium slates, such as Countesses, 

etc., should be about. I 2 in. long 

Nails for large slates, such as Duchesses, etc., 

should be about. 2 in. long 

SLATE NAILS 

Galvanized slate nails, per keg, 3d. S5.50 

Galvanized slate nails, per keg, 4d. 5.00 

Tinned slate nails, per keg, 3d. 5.75 

Tinned slate nails, per keg, 4d. 5.25 

Polished steel wire nails, 3d and 4d. 4.00 

Copper slate nails, per pound.20 

These prices vary with time and locality. 


Labor.—The labor in holing slates, any size, is 
usually estimated at $2.00 per thousand; but if a single 











HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


150 

slate-holing machine is used, a smart boy, at 15 cents 
per hour, will be able to hole from 300 to 400 slates in 
an hour. 

The following statement shows the labor required 
per square, which will be less for larger surfaces, as the 
slating will be performed more quickly. The differ¬ 
ence in time for the various kinds represents the extra 
trouble in handling, greater areas being covered with 
larger slates in a given time, and the labor in holing is 
the same for all sizes. 


A slater and assistant will lay:— 


1 square 

of Doubles (with two 

nails each) 

in 

2\ hours. 

it 

Ladies “ 

U 

u 

n 

u 

n 

Countesses “ 

(( 

(( 

irV 

it 

i< 

Duchesses “ 

(( 

u 

1 

it 

A slater and assistant will prepare and lay:— 




1 square 

of Doubles (with two 

nails each) 

(( 

4 

a 

it 

Ladies 

U 

u 

2i 

it 

i< 

Countesses “ 

u . 

u 

2 

tt 

it 

Duchesses 

(( 

u 


it 


Plastering against underside of slating, per 
yard super... 


a 


« 


Cost per Square.—Taking Countess slates, 20 inches 

long by 10 inches wide, the gauge, if center-nailed, 

. . . Length of slate - lap 20 in. — 3 in. 
would be: - 2 ---— = ---= 


2 


2 


8-J- inches. In estimating, therefore, the number 
of slates required per square of 100 feet super., 
the width of the gauge in inches, multiplied by the 
breadth of the slate in inches, gives the margin or 
exposed surface of a single slate. This divided into 
the number of superficial inches in a square (100 feet 
super, by 144 square inches = 14,400 super, inches per 
square), will give the number of siates to a square— 








AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


151 

e,g., 8-J- inches gauge by 10 inches breadth of slate = 85 

• 1 • , 14,400 super, in. per square 

square inches margin, and 1 -v-t--- 

85 sq. in. margin per slate 
= 170 Countess slates per square. 

Allowing 5 per cent for waste, this would give 
roundly 180 slates to the square. 

As there are two nails per slate, the number of nails 
required per square will be found by doubling the 
number of slates—i. e., in this case, 340 nails. Also 
reckoning 5 per cent waste for nails, the number for 
estimating would be some 360. Using l|--inch compo¬ 
sition nails, 144 of which go to the pound, this latter 
number would give exactly 2-J pounds per square, as 
they are sold by weight. 

A slate roof is laid by first placing a course on the 
eaves. All courses above this one must be laid with a 
lap of more than one half the length of the slate or the 
vertical joints which are not close will not be covered. 
The lap of the slate is more than one-half its length, 
so the more lap a course is laid with, the better will be 
the roof. Manufacturers allow 3 inches when selling a 
square of slate, and architects and consumers should 
see that the roof is laid with that amount of lap, as a 
less one is a considerable gain for the dishonest roofer, 
which he takes advantage of to the permanent injury 
of the roof, because any less lap than 3 inches greatly 
endangers the weather-proof qualities of a slate roof. 
Slate, before it is laid, should be carefully sorted, the 
thick ones used to start the roof at the eaves and 
the thin ones to finish with at the comb. In nailing 
slate do not drive the nails too tight. The top of 
the nail should be just even with the surface of the 
slate. 



NUMBER OF SLATE IN ANY NUMBER OF SQUARES, FROM y 2 UP TO 60 SQUARES 


152 HODGSON'S ESTIMATOR 


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AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


153 

Cornices.—An ordinary plain cornice has three mem¬ 
bers, viz.: frieze, soffit, and fascia. 

The frieze is the part nailed or fastened to the side 
of the building. 

The soffit is the part attached to the under side of 
the projection of rafter, or lookout. 

The fascia is the part attached to the end of the raft¬ 
ers or lookout. 

Crown moulding is the moulding on the fascia. 

Bed moulding is the moulding in the angle where 
the frieze and soffit join. 

In estimating the amount of material in a given 
cornice for a square roof, multiply the entire outside 
measurement of the building by the sum of the width 
of the soffit, frieze and fascia; the result is the number 
of feet, board measure. 

For gable roofs, to the lengths of the two sides of 
the building add the end projections and length of end 
rafters and multiply as before. 

Table of labor account on cornice work. 

Number of feet two men will put on per day and 
price per foot: 


-- Width in Inches— 

Frieze Soffit 

Fascia 

No. Feet 

Cost per foot 

9 

10 

4 

80 

8 

10 

12 

4 

75 

9 

12 

16 

4 

60 

11 

14 

20 

5 

48 

14 

The above 

is for gable roofs 

and includes cost of 

scaffolding. 

Hip Roofs.— 

Frieze 

Soffit 

Fascia 

No. Feet 

Cost per Foot 

18 -in ch. 

16-inch. 

4-inch. 

75 

9 

22 “ 

20 “ 

4£ “ 

64 

11 

28 “ 

24 “ 

5 “ 

52 

13 

32 “ 

28 “ 

5* w 

40 

16 

34 “ 

32 “ 

6 “ 

32 

22 




154 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


Cornice Mouldings.— 

Crown moulding, flat, 2-inch. 800 feet per day, or $1.25 per 100 feet. 


1 ( 

< ( 

spring 

4 

l c 

500 

11 

1.75 

(t 

l ( 

( c 

(i 

5 

C ( 

445 

i ( 

2.00 

i < 

(( 

(l 

11 

6 

(l 

365 

< i 

2.25 

< < 

i l 

(( 

(i 

7 

(i 

300 

i i 

2.50 

(( 

i l 

11 

11 

8 

(( 

250 

i ( 

2.75 

11 


The cost of cornice moulding is ordinarily l 1 /^ cents 
per lineal foot less than the number of inches in work 
—2-inch moulding 4 cents; 3-inch, 5 cents, etc. 

Bed moulding, flat, l^-inch, 800 feet per day, or 100 
cents per 100 feet. Bed moulding, flat, 2-inch, 750 
feet per day, or $1.05 per 100 feet. Bed moulding, 
flat, 3-inch, 700 feet per day, or $1.15 per 100 feet. 
Bed moulding, flat, 4-inch, 500 feet per day, or $1.35 
per 100 feet. 

Cornice Brackets.—Price per bracket, soft wood, all 
well worked—cost to put on building: 

Perpendicular Horizontal Thickness. Cost Plain. Moulded. Plain. Moulded 


Size, 

16-inch. 

12-inch. 

2 14-inch. 

$0.40 

$0.47 

$0.20 

$0.25 

(( 

20 “ 

16 “ 

3 

i ( 

.75 

.85 

.25 

.30 

t ( 

24 “ 

20 “ 

4 

( i 

.75 

.90 

.20 

.25 

(( 

28 “ 

24 “ 

5 

11 

1.05 

1.30 

.30 

.40 

c t 

30 “ 

28 “ 

6 

i < 

1.60 

1.70 

.40 

.50 


Plain panel moulding, two men will put on 300 feet 
per day. Foot moulding, two men will put on 400 
feet per day. 


floors Cost 

per Square 

Soft wood, 6 in. wide, without bridging, per joist, 800 sq. ft. $1 00 


(t 

6 

< t 

w T ith 

11 

c < 

650 

11 

1.20 

11 

4 

C l 

without 

i ( 

11 

600 

(( 

1.30 

(i 

4 

C l 

with 

11 

11 

500 

C l 

1.40 

t ( 

3J 

( c 

without 

i ( 

11 

400 

{( 

1.50 

(( 

3i 

{ l 

with 

11 

i ( 

300 

( ( 

1.85 


Two men will dress six squares of flooring after laying 
per day, or at a cost of $2.00 per square. 





AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


155 


If flooring is of hard wood, estimate per day two- 
thirds of above. 

The number of feet, board measure, in a given floor 
is had by multiplying its length by its width and add¬ 
ing one-fifth for lapping. For flooring not matched 
omit the lapping. Two men will lay 1,333 feet of plank 
flooring per day, or 50 cents per square, or will lay 
2,000 feet of common rough flooring, 1-inch stuff, or 
50 cents per square. 

Outside ceiling for wood buildings, average width, 
including beading and scaffolding, is worth, to put up, 
$1.50 per square. An average day’s work for two men 
is five squares. Two men will dress, after laying the 
ceiling, five squares per day, or $1.45 per square.. 
Ceiling overhead is generally of wider stuff than out¬ 
side ceiling; as there is no beading, and the workman¬ 
ship is not so particular, two men will put up the same 
amount as of outside ceiling, including putting up and 
taking down scaffolding, or five squares at $1.00 per 
square. 

Wainscoting.—Wainscoting 2J to 3 feet high, beaded, 
with ordinary capping, including dressing after putting 
up, is worth $6.00 per square. Two squares is a day’s 
work for two men. 

The same, 3 feet to 4 feet high, is worth, to put up, 
$5.00 per square. 

The same, with shoe and heavy caps, is worth $4.00 
per square. The capping to wainscoting is ordinary 
moulding from 1^ inches by $ to 2 inches by 1^ inches, 

Panel wainscoting, mill worked, ready to put up, 
including capping, shoe or base, is worth, for labor, 
$5.00 per square. 

Hand-worked panel wainscoting is of so various a 
kind that definite prices of labor cannot well be given 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


* 5 6 

without specifications. In a general way, the price 
per square for getting out and putting up will vary 
from $6.00 to $30.00 per square. 

The above prices are for soft wood. For hard wood 
add 40 per cent. 

Baseboards.—Plain base, 6 to 10 inches wide, put up 
before plastering, is worth 3 cents per lineal foot for 
labor. Two hundred feet is a good day’s work for a 
man with mill-dressed lumber. 

The same, put on after plastering, including putting 
on grounds, is worth 4 cents per lineal foot. 

Plain base, after plastering, with moulding, leveling, 
or capping by hand—mill-dressed stuff—is worth 4 
cents per lineal foot to get out and place in the 
building. 

Stairs.—The wall string is the board with which the 
ends of the steps are fixed next to the wall. 

The face string is the board that carries the outer 
end of the steps and risers. 

The tread is the horizontal board of the step. 

The riser is the upright board of the step. 

The newel post is the upright post at the lower step 
to receive the hand rail. 

The hand rail is the rail supported by balusters. Bal¬ 
usters are small columns or pillars to support the rail. 

The number of risers is found by dividing the dis¬ 
tance from floor to floor by the height of the rise. 

The height of each rise is found by dividing the dis¬ 
tance from floor to floor by the number of risers. 

The number of treads is one less than the number of 
risers. 

The width of each tread is found by dividing the 
risers by the number of treads and adding the 
projection. 






AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 157 

Risers vary in height from 4 to 8 inches. Treads 
run from 8 to 14 inches. 

It will be impracticable to give detail prices for all 
variety of stair-work on account of the diversity of 
designs. We simply give a few as an illustration. The 
labor on rough, open stairs, for cellars or stables, when 
no risers are used, is worth 18 cents per tread. Straight 
stairs between partitions, 2 feet 6 inches to 3 feet 6 
inches long, with 6-inch to 9-inch tread, and 7-inch to 
8-inch risers, are worth 40 cents per riser. 

Winding stairs, same dimensions, 40 cents per riser. 
Open straight stairs, risers 6^4 to 8 inches, treads 6 to 

11 inches; housed in wall strings, mitered to face string; 
moulded nosing, including putting up turned balusters, 
and plain round or oval rail, with 6-inch to 8-inch 
turned newel post, are worth for labor $2.50 to 
$2.75 per riser. 

The same stairs, winding, charge $3.75 per riser for 
the winding steps, and $2.50 for straight steps. Putting 
on brackets outside of stringer is worth from 5 to 25 
cents per bracket. 

The following is a list of the approximate prices of 
stair material: 

Newel Posts.—A turned newel post of cherry or 
black walnut, 5 inches in diameter, with cap, is worth 

$5.00; 6 inches, $6.00; and 8 inches, $7.50. 

Octagon newel posts, walnut, oak, or cherry, with 
ornamental cap, 8 inches, $10.00; 9 inches, $11.00; and 

12 inches, $12.00. 

Newel posts veneered with fancy woods, with carv¬ 
ing on plinth and cap, and moulded sunk panels, will 
vary from $20.00 to $60.00 each. 

Balusters.—Turned balusters, walnut or cherry, 
from 2 feet 4 inches to 3 feet, are worth, l]/ 2 inches, 20 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


158 

cents; 2 inches, 22 cents; and 2]/ 2 inches, 28 cents each. 
Oak and ash 20 per cent less. 

Fluted or octagon balusters, walnut or cherry, 2 inches, 
25 cents; 2 l / 2 inches, 35 cents; 2^4 inches, 40 cents each. 
Fancy balusters for high-priced stairs may run from 40 
to 80 cents each. 

Rails.—Walnut or cherry, 3^4-inch, 25 cents; 4-inch, 
30 cents; 4^4-inch, 35 cents; and 5-inch, 35 cents per 
lineal foot. Raised back rails, walnut or cherry, 4-inch, 
35 cents; 5-inch, 40 cents; 5}4-inch, 45 cents; and 6-inch, 
50 cents per lineal foot. Fancy raised back rails 
from 6 to 7 inches will vary from 50 cents to $1.00 per 
foot. 

Doors.—The price of doors may be had from any 
dealer’s catalogue. The labor account is as follows: 
A fair day’s work for one man is setting 5 door frames 
a day, and putting on ordinary casing. He will also 
hang and finish 5 doors per day, or $1.20 a door com¬ 
plete. The above is for 6 feet to 7 feet 6 inch doors, 
and 1% inch thick. From 7 feet 6 inch to 9 feet doors 
and 1% inch thick, a day’s work of setting and casing 3 
frames per day, or hanging and finishing 3 doors per 
day, $2.00 per door complete. 

Moulding Door Casings.—For 6 feet to 7 feet 6 inch 
doors, and 3-inch mouldings, one man will mould 6 
door casings, two sides, per day, or $1.00 per door; 
with d^-inch mouldings, 5 doors per day, or $1.20 
per door. Mouldings with -two members about one- 
half above number, 7 feet 6 inches to 9 feet doors, 
single moulding two sides, 5 openings per day. The 
same, with double members to moulding, 2% openings 
per day. 

Door frames when had from factory are cased both 
sides for inside doors, and one side for outside doors 




AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


159 


Sliding Doors.—The frames for a pair of sliding 
doors with double joint, including casings each side, are 
worth from $6.50 to $7.00 per frame. 

The same, with segment top, will vary from $6.00 
to $12.00; setting either one of the above frames, put¬ 
ting up the track, and lining the pocket is worth from 
$3.50 to $6.00 for labor. Setting, hanging, and trim¬ 
ming a pair of sliding doors will .take a man about 1 % 
days, or $9.00 per door. 

Folding Doors.—The frame for a pair of folding 
doors with opening 5 feet by 8 feet 6 inches, with single 
joints, including casing each side, is worth from $4.50 
to $8.25 per opening. Segment top, same size open¬ 
ing, $6.00 to $10.00. Setting the frame for a pair of 
folding doors will take a man three-quarters of a day, 
or $4.50 per frame. 

Fitting, hanging, and trimming a pair of folding 
doors will take one man a day and a quarter, or $7.25 
per door. 

Moulding, sliding and folding door casings, square 
top opening 5 feet by 8 feet 6 inches on both sides, 
single member; a day’s work is 4 openings per day, or 
$1.50 per door. If moulding is double member, 
two openings per day, or $3.00 per door. Segment top 
with same size of swing, the moulding will cost $6.00 
per opening. Over the face of a square top, one man 
will put on the moulding with a single member in one- 
half a day, or $3.00 per opening. Double member one 
day, or $6.00 per opening. 

Setting door frames in brick buildings will cost the 
same as for frame buildings. 

Common Door Frames.—Outside frames with cas¬ 
ings on one side for doors, from 2 feet 6 inches by 6 feet 
6 inches to 2 feet 8 inches by 6 feet 8 inches, are worth 


i6o 


HODGSON'S ESIMATOR 


from $3.25 to $4.50 each. The same for inside doors, 
with casing on both sides, are worth from $6.00 to 
$7.00. 

Door Trimmings.—Butts 3x3 inches, for cheap 
trimmings, are worth 10 cents per pair, and a common 
mortise or rim lock, with brown knob, 30 cents each. 
3 x 3i/ 2 butts, 10 cents, and 3% x 3%, 10 cents each; 
4x4, 15 cents. A good mortise lock, with brown or 
white knobs, brass key, face, and bolt is worth 50 cents. 
Outside door locks vary from 50 cents to $4.00 a pair; 
average price would be $1.50. 

Sliding door locks 4x5, brass key and face, $2.50 
each. Iron track for door, 3 cents per foot; brass 
track, 25 cents. A very good rabbeted lock, without 
night works, $1.50; with night works, $3.50 to $4.50 
each. 

Screws for putting on above trimmings, 30 cents a 
gross. The labor account for trimming doors will be 
found under the head of doors. 

Windows.—The price of the sash, including glass 
and glazing for all sizes of windows, may be had from 
the dealers’ catalogues. Window frames, factory 
made, simply have outside casings and jambs. One 
man will cut the openings and set five frames per day^ 
of an average size, say 2 feet 6 inches by 6 feet, in a 
frame building, and can set the same number in a brick 
building, or $1.20 per opening. 

As the brick-work goes up the carpenter must plumb 
up the frames occasionally, so that a fair estimate 
would be both alike. 

In larger openings, setting from two to four frames 
per day would be fair work, or from $1.20 to $1.50 per 
window. 

One man will case 12 windows per day of windows 2 




AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


161 


feet 6 inches by 6 feet, or 3 cents per lineal foot of 
the casing. 

Moulding window casings, same price per foot as 
door casing. 

For wood buildings, plain rail sash, 8 or 12 lights, 
with outside casings, an average price would be as 
follows : 

8x10, $1.20; 10x12, $1.50; 10x14, $1.80; 10 x 16, 

$ 2 . 20 . 

With check-rail sash outside, casings: 8 x 10, $2.00; 10 
x 12, $2.50 ; 10 x 14, $2.70 ; 10 x 16, $3.00 ; 10 x 18, $3.25. 

Plain window frames for brick buildings: 8 x 10, 
$2.00 ; 10 x 12, $2.20 ; 10 x 14, $2.50 ; 10 xl6, $2.60 ; 12 x 
24, $3.65. 

Box window frames: 8x10, $3.25; 10x12, $4.00; 
10 x 14, $4,20 ; 10 x 16, $4.50 ; 12 x 24, $4.80. 

The same frames, with segment outside and square 
inside, are worth 50 cents more. 

Pantries and Closets.—In ordinary work of this kind 
one man will get out and put up 50 to 75 lineal feet of 
shelving 12 inches wide per day, or will make and put 
up five drawers 15 inches wide by 18 inches deep, in¬ 
cluding racks and fitting. 

If the drawers are dovetailed, four is a day’s work. 
Strips and hooks: one man can put 50 to 80 lineal 
feet of strips, and put on closet hooks, about 12 inches 
apart, in one day. 

Porches.—These differ so widely in design that prices 
per foot lineal cannot be given without specifications, 
as they will vary from $2.25 a foot upwards. In an 
ordinary porch, figure the sills and joists as in framing; 
also roof, labor, ceiling, and cornice the same as in 
other parts of the building, and charge for whatever 
extra work the design may call for. 


162 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


Blinds.—These are made and sold by the foot, meas¬ 
uring height of the window on one side only; 80 to 90 
cents per lineal foot, including trimming and hanging, 
is a fair price. Inside blinds, O. G. panel or rolling 
slats, ordinary width, are worth $1.50 per foot, com¬ 
plete in the building. If inside blinds are of hard 
wood, they are worth from one and a half to double 
the price of pine. 

Plastering.—The number of yards is simply the area 
of all the walls and ceilings. 

One hundred yards of plastering will require 1,400 
laths, 4 V 2 bushels of lime, 18 bushels of sand, 9 pounds 
of hair, and 5 pounds of nails for two-coat work. 

Three men and one helper will put on 450 yards, in 
a day’s work, of two-coat work, and will put on a hard 
finish for 300 yards. 

Retail cost of three-coat work for 100 yards of 
plastering: 

Seven bushels of lime. 

Four-fifths of a load of sand. 

Nine pounds of hair. 

Five pounds of nails. 

Lathing, 100 yards. 

1400 laths. 

Plastering, 2 coats, 1 man § of a day. 

Helper, 4 of a day. 

Hard finished, one day’s work. 

Making mortar and scaffolding. 

Or, say twenty-eight cents per yard. 

Painting.—Painting is done by the yard, and at the 
present prices of lead and oil, house painting in plain 
colors will cost on an average: 

For one coat, 10 cents per yard; two coats, 18 cents 
per yard; three coats, 28 cents per yard. 










AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


*63 


One coat, or priming, will take for 100 yards of 
painting 20 pounds of lead and 4 gallons of oil. Two- 
coat work, 40 pounds of lead and 4 gallons of oil. 
Three-coat, the same proportion; so that a fair esti¬ 
mate for 100 yards of three-coat work would be 60 
pounds of lead and 12 gallons of oil. 

A day’s work on outside of a building is 100 yards of 
first coat, and 80 yards of either second or third coat. 
An ordinary door, including casings, will on both sides 
make 8 yards to 10 yards of painting, or say, 5 yards 
to a door without the casings. An ordinary window 
2-J- to 3 yards. Fifty yards of common graining is a 
day’s work for a grainer and one man to rub in. 

In measuring up outside work, use the rule for plain 
surfaces. In common painting run your tape-line over 
all the mouldings in and out, and this, with the width 
of the cornice multiplied by its length, will give the 
area. It is customary to add from one-third to one- 
half for the bracket painting. In painting blinds of or¬ 
dinary size, twelve is a fair day’s work for one coat, and 
9 pounds of lead and 1 gallon of oil will paint them. 
In measuring up inside base, it is customary to reckon 

9 inches in width and upwards to 1 foot as 12 inches. 

Nails.—One thousand feet of inch stuff will require 

10 pounds of 10-penny nails; 1 square of siding or ceil¬ 
ing, 2-j- pounds 8-penny, and the same for a square of 
roof boards or sheathing, and 1,000 shingles will take 
6 pounds of shingle nails. 

Brick and Stone Work.—A day’s work in excavating 
and filling into cart or wheelbarrow is 11 or 12 cubic 
yards of common earth, or 7 to 8 yards of clay 01 
coarse gravel, or 17 to 20 cents per yard. In limestone 
or sandstone a day’s work in quarrying will range 
from one-half to one cord of stone. 



164 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


Stone Work.—A perch is 16% feet long, 1 y 2 feet 
wide, and 1 foot high, and contains 24^4 cubic feet. In 
estimates 25 cubic feet is figured as a perch. 

A perch in the wall contains about 22 cubic feet of 
stone and 3 cubic feet of mortar. 

The waste ordinarily allowed in laying stone walls 
from the rock measurement is one-fifth. 

A cubic yard of rubble masonry laid in the wall con¬ 
tains 1 1-5 cubic yards of undressed stone and one- 
fourth of a cubic yard of mortar. 

Four perches or 100 cubic feet of wall will contain 
ordinarily 1 cord of stone or 128 cubic feet, 1 barrel of 
lime, or say 2% bushels, and 5 barrels of sand. 

A day’s work for a mason’s helper is moving 4 to 5 
perches of stone, and mix and carry to the mason suffi¬ 
cient mortar to lay them. 

A man will lay in one day from 4 to 5 perches of 
rubble masonry in sandstone, or 3 perches in limestone. 
In many locations sandstone is delivered for $1.50 per 
perch, and the labor for laying in ordinary walls, in¬ 
cluding lime and sand, from $1.00 to $2.00 per perch. 

Stone Ashlars.—These are ordinarily 3 feet to 5 feet 
long, 1 foot high, and 4 to 6 inches thick. 

The price of the rough stone will vary according to 
locality. The labor on ashlars, including setting, is per 
square foot as follows: 

Fine posts, hammerwork, limestone, 35 cts.; sandstone, 30 cts. 

Medium “ “ 30 “ “ 27 “ 

Rough 11 l( 25 11 11 22 11 

Freestone ashlars, sawed, are furnished at the mills 
for 35 to 50 cents per square foot, and caps and sills 
for ordinary windows and doors from $2.25 to $3.00 
each. 

Brick Work.—The labor and material of brick work 





AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


165 


are estimated by the 1,000 brick. In measuring up 
brick walls it is not customary to deduct for openings. 
To ascertain the number of bricks in a wall: First 
obtain the number of superficial feet, and multiply this 
by 7 for a 4-inch wall, by 14 for a 9-inch wall, 22 for a 
14-inch wall, and 29 for an 18-inch wall. If thicker than 
18 inches, for each additional 4J inches in thickness 
add 7 bricks per square foot. 

One thousand five hundred brick is an average day’s 
work for outside and inside walls, and we take three- 
quarters of a barrel of lime and 9 bushels of sand to 
make the mortar. The number of brick a mason will 
lay in a day on a plain wall depends largely upon its 
thickness. On 9-inch work, 1,200 to 1,400; on 14-inch 
work, 1,500 to 2,000, and on 18-inch work, 2,000 to 
2,500; veneered work or single-back walls attached to 
wood work is much slower, from 400 to 600 brick is 
regarded a day’s work; this includes tying the brick 
with nails to the framework, or sheathing. 

The following is given as an illustration of the cost 
of furnishing and laying 1,500 brick, or one day's work. 

1500 brick. 

| barrel of lime. 

9 bushels of sand. 

1 day’s work for mason. 

1 day’s work for helper. 


Chimneys.—Common flues and ordinary chimneys are 
worth from $1.00 to $1.50 per running foot, including 
labor and material. In large chimneys with fire¬ 
places, get the number of brick, charge for lime and 
sand the same as in brick walls, and estimate the labor 
at double the price of plain walls of same thickness. 


i66 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


Plumbing.—In plumbing for bath-rooms and closets 
IJ-inch pipe is used for water, f-inch for supply, and 
4-inch iron pipes for soil-pipe. An average price 
would be for material and putting in the building: 
lj-inch pipe, lead, 50 cents per foot; f-inch pipe, lead, 
40 cents per foot, and soil-pipe, 45 cents per foot. 

Bath-tubs will vary in price from $15.00 to $50.00; 
double bath-cocks, $12.00 to $15.00; single, $1.90 to 
$3.00; wash-bowl cocks, from $2.00 to $3.00. 

A fair price for a corner wash-bowl, marble, with 
stop-cocks and enclosed with casings, including con¬ 
nections with pipes, will vary from $12.00 to $20.00; 
water-closet basins and connections, $6.00 to $8.00. 

It must be understood that the foregoing prices are 
only approximately correct. 

SOME painter’s EXTRAS 

In estimating the painter’s work, a few facts and 
data as to the quantity of paint required to cover cer¬ 
tain areas of surface are necessary. Thus it is useful 
to know that 1 pound of mixed white lead paint will 
cover about 4J superficial yards the first coat, and 
about yards each additional coat; that 1 pound of 
mixed red lead paint will cover about 5f yards super, 
of iron. Some authorities say 45 yards of first coat, 
including stopping, will require 5 pounds of white 
lead, 5 pounds of putty and 1 quart of oil; and 45 
yards of each succeeding coat will require 5 pounds of 
white lead and 1 quart of oil. These quantities do not 
exactly agree, but they are approximately correct, and 
we may take about 6J to 7 yards to be about a fair 
allowance for 1 pound of paint; if the paint costs, say, 
15 cents per pound, the cost would be about 2J cents 
per yard for material; 1 pound of mixed white lead 






AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


167 


paint will cover 1 yard super, on Portland cement (first 
coat); good oil varnish requires 1 pint to 8 or 9 yards 
superficial, one coat. 

In measuring the painting of iron railing, the two 
sides are measured as flat work, both sides plain, and 
charged as such, unless gilded; if the railing is delicate 
and ornamental, the charge is once and a half, or twice 
is taken for each side. 

The rotation in taking the items are generally the 
windows, base dadoes, chimney pieces, doors; but this 
rule is not strictly observed, and in the abstracting the 
one-coat work comes before the three, four, or five 
times in oil; flatting and ornamental work follow the 
plain painting. 

It may be useful to remember that the decimal .27 
multiplied by the rate of wages for a painter per hour 
will give the cost per yard for common work, including 
stopping, knotting, etc., and the decimal .15 for second 
and following coats. 

Staining, sizing and varnishing taken at per yard 
superficial should be described as to stain and the num¬ 
ber of coats of varnish. For varnished work, state if 
on natural wood or painted. Graining and varnishing 
at per yard is similarly measured to plain painting, and 
should be described as “extra”; state if “combed,” 
“once grained,” and varnished, and the wood to be 
imitated as oak, walnut, etc., if once or twice var¬ 
nished, and if with spirit or copal, if the wood is to be 
sized. 


WOOD AND IRON WORK 

95 yards 5 feet super. Knotting, stopping, priming, 
and painting wood work three times in oil and lead 
color. Taking the decimal .27 and multiplying by 




168 


HODGSON'S ESTIMATOR 


rate of wages per hour would give the cost per yard. 

The price-books give 20 to 35 cents per yard for three- 

coat work. 

103 yards super. Ditto four times on cement work. 
Add to the above 8 cents per yard, say, 30 cents per 
yard for a large quantity. 

54 yards super. Painting four times balusters of 
staircase. These are ornamental and close, and the 
quantity given includes double face. Say 30 cents per 
yard. 

75 yards 6 feet super. Ditto five times iron railing. 
About 8 cents per yard more than last. 

75-foot run. 4^ inch reveals in five oils. Worth about 
8 to 12 cents per foot. 

36-foot run. Painting r. w. pipes in four oils. Put 
this at 12 cents per foot. 

66-foot run. Ditto eaves gutters. Same price. 

35-yard run. Painting bars to skylights, four coats 
in oil. This is worth about 12 cents per yard. 

120-foot run. Shelf edge, three coats. 5 cents per 
foot. ’ / 

18-foot run. Painting in three oils, cornice 12-inch 
girth. About 10 cents per foot run. 

62-foot run. Painting in four oils, window-sills about 
12-inch girth. Price about 10 or 12 cents. 

Painting in approved tints wood and stone chimney 
pieces, four coats. If of ordinary kind, the cost may 
be put at about $1.00 to $1.50 each. Ditto ditto, extra 
coat and flatting. Add, say, 40 cents each. 

30 yards super. Painting four times in oil, including 
knotting and stopping and flatting. 


Say for four-coat work on wood.$0.40 

For flatting add.12 











AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 169 

In some price-books this would be put at 50 cents 
per yard. 

26 yards super. Ditto ditto finished in party colors. 
Add 8 cents to the above. 

5 yards super. Ditto finished in shades of Indian 
red. This is rather a dear color, and may be priced at 
8 to 10 cents in addition. 

60-foot run. Paint in three oils, reveals 4^ inches 
wide. Add about 8 cents per foot. 

58-foot run. Ditto three and flatting to skirting not 
more than 10 inches wide. About 9 cents per foot. 

10 yards super. Painting in three oils, enriched cor¬ 
nices and flatting. Price about 80 cents per yard, and 
add 20 cents per yard for flatting. 

No. 12. Sash frames not exceeding 24 feet super., 
four oils. These may be priced at about 90 cents to 
$1.00 each. 

No. 4. Ditto large size ditto. Add 35 cents to each. 

No. 12. Dozen sash squares, about 2 feet super, each. 
Worth about 65 cents per dozen. 

No. 4. Dozen ditto large. About 90 cents per dozen. 

72-foot run. Painting base, four oils. These would 
be about 9 cents per foot. 

72-foot run. Ditto finished in grayish-green. Add 
1 cent per foot. 

32-foot run. Ditto narrow base, four oils. About 9 
cents per foot. 

GRAINING AND VARNISHING 

18-foot run. French-polishing handrail. Worth about 
25 cents per foot. 

50 yards super. Varnishing doors and framing, two 
coats copal varnish. Price at 25 cents per yard super. 


170 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


45 yards super. Painting in four oils, doors finished 
in buff and gray of approved tints. 

Price in common colors, four coats, including knot¬ 


ting and stopping, per yard.$0.35 

Finishing in fawn tints, per yard.40 


62 yards super. Graining extra in oak and twice 
varnishing. This may be priced at 60 cents per yard 
for best work, and for twice in copal 40 cents extra. 

105 yards super. Graining wainscot and twice var¬ 
nishing. Extra over common. 


Graining cost per yard.$0.40 

Copal varnishing, two coats.30 


320 yards super. Varnishing matchboard partitions, 
etc., in two coats copal varnish, and sizing wood. 


Sizing wood, say.$0.15 

Twice in copal, say.30 


32 feet super. Painting carved pediments and trusses 
four coats in oil, finished in two tints to be approved. 


Say cost of four-coat work.$0.15 

Picking out in two tints, per foot.10 


If very elaborate, the cost would be more, according 
to color selected. 

32 yards super. Painting skylights each side four 
coats. The price would be about 32 cents each side. 

12 yards super. Oak combed and shadowed and var¬ 
nished. This may be for some special doors, and may 
be priced at 75 cents per yard. 

If there are more yards in the work than named in 
the foregoing, then a reduction of from 5 to 7 per cent 
may be made. If there is a less number of yards, then 
an additional price of from 4 to 6 per cent may be 
added. 
















AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


171 


THE PLASTERER AND PAINTER 

In estimating for plastering, or for painting also, 
(1) the description of all materials and work should be 
kept separate. (2) Plastering on walls to be measured 
from the floor upwards, or from the point where each 
description of work commences. (3) Where cornices 
are lathed on brackets, measure ceiling and walls to 
the edge of the brackets only. (4) Where cornices are 
not bracketed, measure the ceiling full size of room, 
and the walls up to ceiling; all in super, yards. 
(5) Deduct all openings 100 square feet and over; 
deduct materials and add labor (hollows) for net sizes 
of doors, windows, fireplaces, and other openings under 
100 feet super. (6) Where ceilings are paneled and 
coffered, or covered, girth round all portions that are 
lathed, keeping circular work separate. (7) Ceilings 
plastered between spars, etc., to *be measured across 
the spars and purlins, and even then kept separate, 
and described as such. (8) All work run with a mould 
to be measured lineal on the wall, and the girth given, 
as cornices, rustics, strings, architraves, soffits, quirks, 
etc.; count all miters with the girth of mould they 
belong to; count miters in paneled work. (9) All 
cornices, etc., lathed on brackets, to be kept separate, 
and described as such. (10) All cast work to be 
counted, except running enrichments. (11) Enriched 
members to be measured lineal, with girth. (12) 
Modeling of enrichments to be, if special, so stated, 
and the models to be the property of the designer. 
(13) Ceilings or walls covered with panels, formed by 
small moulds, to be measured super., with illustration 
or drawing, for “extra price over plain work”; larger 
paneling or special decorative features to be measured 
in detail. (14) Angies to pilasters, etc., if specially 


172 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


formed, lineal and extra to plastering. (15) Door and 
window frames, bedding and pointing, to be counted, 
and state material to be used; also flushing to inside 
of frames after fixing, or behind casings, window 
backs, or other work to be given. (10) Making goods 
generally, and after plumber, gas-fitter, bell-hanger, 
etc., and chimney pieces, as in item, stating numbers. 
(17) Coloring and white-washing walls, etc., to be in 
super, yards, measuring over all openings under 100 
super, feet; if the work has to be pointed by the plas¬ 
terer, state so. (18) Painting to include stopping and 
knotting, and to be given in square yards. Priming 
to be separate, if on work painted before being fixed. 
Painting to be girthed round all exposed surfaces, 
except as below. (19) Balusters, if ordinary square, 
and girds, gates, and other metal work painted on both 
sides, with bards about 5 to 6 inches apart, to be meas¬ 
ured one surface only; if closer or slightly ornamental, 
1 -| surfaces, and for very close or very ornamental 
work, 2 to 2-J- surfaces. (20) Windows to be meas¬ 
ured each surface over full size of opening for painting 
frame and sheets, or else the frames counted, and the 
sheets, if large squares, counted; but if in small squares 
(as old-fashioned crown glazing), then count the squares 
instead of the sheet. (21) Fancy or ornamental paint¬ 
ing to be measured in detail, with lengths of mouldings 
picked out, gilt, etc. All work in parti-colors to be 
kept separate from plain work. 

The cost of internal plastering largely depends on 
the number of coats; the second or floating coat 
involves four processes: running the screeds, filling- 
in, scouring with a hand-float, and “keying” the sur¬ 
face for the finishing coat. This coat costs about a |c. 
more than the two coats and set. The third or finishing 




AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


i/3 


coat also entails extra care and trouble. It involves 
laying, scouring, troweling, etc., and it requires “fine 
stuff,” consisting of pure lime, slaked, saturated till 
semi-fluid sand. If “gauged” with plaster of Paris in 
the proportion of three or four to one, the work dries 
quicker. This is also used for cornices and enrich- 
ments. Gauging with plaster costs about 8 cents each 
coat per yard extra, and therefore adds materially to 
the cost. The cements known as Keene’s and Parian 
have quick-setting properties, and give a hard, non- 
porous surface; they are laid in two coats, the first of 
cement and sand about inch thick, and the finishing 
coat of neat cement. This kind of cement finish is 
used for angles and arrises, often on Portland cement 
grounds, also for mouldings, girder-casings, soffits, 
skirtings, and other decorative features. Compared 
with ordinary three-coat work, it costs about one and 
a half times as much. Some authorities give 80 cents 
per yard on brick, and others 30 on lath, including 
profits, and on Portland cement grounds. 

There are several patent fibrous plasters used on 
canvas, wood, and metal for ceilings and decorations, 
that are advertised. These vary in price about 28 to 
40 cents per yard. The estimator can obtain prices 
for any selected ceiling, wall filling, or decoration. 

In estimating items of plasterer’s work, care is neces¬ 
sary in ascertaining the quantities, and whether for 
“narrow widths,” or for circular work. If for narrow 
widths, an extra price is necessary, being for labor, 
which would come to about 8 cents per foot super, 
more, orlOcents if in plaster of Paris. The quantity 
should also determine the price; for large quantities 
the labor might be priced at 1 cent less. Keene’s fine 
quality cement takes a fine polish, and is used fot 


1 74 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR * 


internal decorations, panels, columns; on brick walls 
it should be applied on a rendering coat of Portland 
cement. Parian cement is used as a stucco, and is 
valuable on new-built walls, as it can be papered or 
painted very soon afterwards; 4 bushels of Parian to 4 
of clean washed sharp sand will cover 10 super, yards 
£ inch thick. The price is about the same as Keene’s 
cement. 

Rake out joints of old brick work to form “key” for 
plaster. 

This may be done in brick work for 3 to 5 cents per 
foot super., say 32 cents per yard, and the price 
depends much on the hardness of the mortar to be 
raked out. Raking out cement joint would be about 6 
cents per foot. 

Dubbing out 1 inch thick in tiles and cement to filL 
hollow in wall. This may be taken at from 9 to 13 
cents per foot super., according to the kind of wall, 
and whether a scaffold is necessary. 

Render, float, and finish in troweled stucco for paint. 
May be put down at 35 cents per yard on brick. Add 
for last coat finished troweled stucco for paint 13 cents 
per yard. Troweled stucco on lath would cost about 
9 cents per yard more. 

Lath, plaster, and set, finished troweled stucco in 
narrow widths. This would come to about 9 cents per 
foot super. 

Ditto sloping ceiling in panels between ribs. 


Say ordinary work.$0.70 

Extra for lathing, say.30 

Add for setting coat between ribs.15 


Per yard.$1.15 


Moulded cornice, 15-inch girth. Price this as before, 
say, 30 cents per foot super. 








AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


175 

Cornice, 5-inch girth. Worth about 16 cents per foot 
run. 

Miters to ditto. Each, say, 16 cents. 

Ditto 9-inch girth. Worth about 35 cents. 

Miters to ditto. 32 cents each. 

Enrichments 7-inch girth to detail; at 8 cents for each 
inch girth per foot, would come to 35 cents per foot. 

Render, float, and set walls, gauged with equal quan¬ 
tities of lime and cement. Add 13 cents per yard to 
former price. 

Ditto in narrow widths. Price at 60 cents. 

If circular. About 50 per cent more than the straight. 

Hacking face of old walls to form key for plaster. 
This is labor only, and may be put down at 10 cents per 
yard. 

Ditto and raking out of mortar joints. Add another 8 
cents per yard. 

Rendering chimney backs. Worth about 50 cents 
each. 

Plaster plain face on brick in narrow width. If this 
is for lime and hair finished with setting stuff, it may 
be priced at 75 per cent more than for ordinary plas¬ 
tering; the difference is entirely for labor. 

Plain face in Portland cement for skirting 10 inches 
high with sunk bead on top. Worth for plain face 


about 8 cents per foot. 

Worth for plain face about, per foot.$0.08 

Bead, per foot.12 


$ 0.20 

PLASTER CORNICES AND ENRICHMENTS 

Moulded cornice, as per detail, on lath. This item 
may be priced the same as previous item, adding lath¬ 
ing, say, 5 cents. 





HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


176 

Papier-mache center flowers to drawing-room and 
dining-room, about 3-foot diameter, according to design. 
It is not easy to price this item without seeing the 
design, as they vary according to the degree of enrich¬ 
ment. For plain designs we may price them at 25 cents 
per inch diameter. For elaborate designs, 30 to 80 cents 
per inch would not be too much. Get list of prices. 

Plaster center flowers, 18-inch diameter. These are 
worth about $3.50 each. 

Ceiling decorations, as per design. No special decora¬ 
tion is described; if plain, the cost would be about 15 
and 20 cents per foot, and fixing, say, another 15 
cents. 

Cornices to ditto to design. Price from 20 cents, for 
fixing add 25 cents per foot. 

Frieze. About 35 cents per foot, including fixing. 

keene’s cement 

Keene’s cement, coarse quality, on brick walls, on 
rendering of Portland cement. Troweled on brick, at 
$1.00 per yard. This includes profit. 

Ditto on single-lath partitions. Price at $1.00 per 
yard. 

Ditto circular ditto. Add 20 cents per yard. 

Pilasters and architraves ditto. This item depends 
on detail; 20 cents per foot for plain work would 
do. 

Skirting 9 inches high and moulding 3-inch girth. 
About 25 cents per foot. 

Miters to ditto. About the same price each. 

Enrichment, 12-inch girth. About 15 cents for every 
inch girth per foot run. 

Moulded cornice, 15-inch girth. Price at 60 cents.- 





AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


177 


Angle 6 -inch girth, and arris in Keene’s cement. Worth 
about 15 cents. 

Staff bead 2-inch girth and quirks. About 18 cents 
per foot. 

Moulding on ditto 4-inch girth. 20 cents per foot 
run. 

Keene’s fine quality cement, on Portland cement 
grounds, polished face, in narrow widths. This is priced 
at 90 cents, including profit, per foot. 

Ditto polished, plain face, on lath partition. This 
may be put at about the same. 

Ditto to pilasters on brick. More labor is necessary 
in troweling and floating the surface of diminished 
pilasters, and the cost would be about 90 cents per 
foot. 

Ditto to columns. Add 14 cents to last. 

Ditto in No. 2 spherical heads of alcoves 6 feet wide 
each. The price for these would be about the same 
per foot super. There would be about 28 square feet 
in each head. 

18 feet super. Moulding to ditto polished. The price 
for these is about $1.00 to $1.25 per foot; for circular 
work, another 20 cents may be added. 

Arrises. Put at 8 cents per foot. 

Moulded cornice round saloon bracketed with two 
enrichments, per detail. (See Fig. 16.) This cornice 
is run on lath, bracketed out, and the items may be put 
down thus: 

11-inch pine brackets and plugging, per foot 

Moulding per foot super., say. 

Two enrichments . 

Add for lathing. 


$0.98 


$0.18 

.35 

.40 

.05 


Per foot super 


Miters to ditto. 









i;8 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


As these entail extra labor, they may be put down 
equal to 1-foot run of cornice, which is equal to nearly 
2 feet super., say, $1.00 each. 

I show several examples in decorative plastering in 
Figs. 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16, which will give some 
idea of the character of work estimated on in the fore¬ 
going analysis, and aid the estimator in working out 
his figures. 




AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 

































HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


180 



Fig. 13 . 




¥ 


Fig. 14 . 
































AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 181 




Fig. i6. 




















HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


182 


EXTERNAL PLASTERING, PORTLAND CEMENT 

Work in Portland cement is costly, as both the mate¬ 
rial and labor are heavy. Portland cement is mainly 
used in external work. Plastering will take 3 of sand 
to 1 of cement, except in reservoir or hydraulic work, 
when it is used nearly neat. It is generally sold by 
the bag of 100 pounds in place of the bushel, and its 
price is variable according to the quality and locality. 
Price lists should always be kept on hand. A gritted 
face is better for Portland cement finish than troweled 
work, as the latter is apt to blister. One bushel of 
cement and two of sand will cover 4J yards § inch 
thick; one of cement to three of sand will cover about 
6 ^ yards of that thickness. So that practically we may 
say that one-sixth of a bushel of cement will cover one 
yard at the above thickness, worth about 15 cents; and 
three bushels of sand will cost 60 cents, one-sixth of 
which will be also about 10 cents; add to which labor 
and profit, about 37 cents, making about 75 cents per 
yard. The items should clearly state whether the 
cement is “rendered” or “plain face,” or “render and 
float,” or “troweled,” if on brick or lath. Mouldings, 
grooves, arrises are taken per foot run if not exceed¬ 
ing 12-inch girth; if above this, by foot super.; and all 
narrow widths, like panels, rustics, etc., should be 
stated, as the labor is greater. 

OUTSIDE PLASTERING 

Troweled rough stucco, with blue lias lime and good 
sand, and jointed. This is worth about 50 to 65 cents 
per yard. 

Moulded cornice ditto, 2-foot 6-inch girth. May be 
priced at 30 cents per foot super. 





AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


183 


Portland cement, weathering, dubbing, etc. The labor 
would be about 10 cents, the material about the same, 
say, 20 cents per foot. 

78 yards super. Portland cement, plain face. If 1 
of cement to 3 of sand, the cost would be about 70 
cents. 

Ditto in narrow widths. About 14 cents per foot 
super. 

Ditto lj-inch thick rustics in narrow widths. This 
may be put at the same, as these rustics are in narrow 
widths between grooves. This would be for the plain 
face; vermiculated work costs more. 

Rough-cast made with clean washed sand and shingle 
and good lime in proper proportions. 


Say, materials per yard super.$0.11 

Labor.40 


$0.51 

Rough-cast on brick, with washed sand and shingle 
and Portland cement. Add 16 cents to former item, for 
a yard of cement f inch thick will take about one-sixth 
of a bushel, say, 14 cents; add for extra labor 5 cents. 

PORTLAND CEMENT WORK 

460 yards super. Portland cement, plain face on brick, 
floated; 1 of cement to 3 of sand. 

Say, cost of rendering (cement and sand).$0.38 

Labor to ditto.16 

Floating, add 14 cents. 

$0.70 

Profit, add.65 


$0.75 










184 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


The price-books put down for this work 75 cents per 
yard, which is high for a large quantity. 

Ditto in narrow widths. Price at about 15 cents per 
foot super., or about $1.35 cents per yard super. 

Ditto plain face on brick-jointed. This may be put 
down at above price, or 


Plain face.$0.75 

Add for jointing.05 


$0.80 


and 90 cents for circular. 

Plain face ditto as plinth. This may be put down 
at 10 cents per yard more than last, or, say, $1.00. 

Moulding, etc., ditto, 9-inch girth. Price at 50 cents 
per foot. 

Plain cement face to pilasters, etc. Worth about 12 
cents per foot. 

4J-inch reveals to windows and arris. May be priced 
at 12 to 15 cents per foot. 

Yermiculated work according to sample for quoins. 
Worth about 60 to 90 cents per foot. This will be 
extra on the plain face before taken. 

Quoins 18 inches long, 12-inch return, 12 inches in 
height, including dubbing out and projecting 1 inch from 
face. These are plain, and would cost about 19 cents 
each. 

Returned and mitered ends to moulding. The cost 
of these may be put at the price of 1-foot run of mould¬ 
ing; a sketch should be given. Put at about the 
same. 

Portland cement plain face. This is worth about 60 
cents per'yard (see previous items). 












AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


i85 

1 J inch thick in rustics. This is chiefly for labor, 
and may be worth from 60 to 90 cents or more per 
foot, but the price depends on the class of work. 

Moulded grooves to rustics, as per detail. This will 
be worth from 10 to 16 cents per foot, according to 
girth. 

Miters to ditto. Worth about 15 cents each. 

Rustic grooves, V-shaped. These are simpler than 
moulded, and the labor is less, say, 8 to 10 cents per 
foot run. 

Miters to ditto. Put these at 5 cents per inch 
girth. 

Portland cement cornice, per detail. If the mould¬ 
ing is plain, the work may be done for 40 cents per 
foot. 

Ditto in short lengths. Add 15 cents per foot. 

Miters. Say, 50 cents each. 

Floating beds on concrete for tile paving. 


Say, cost of cement and sand, etc.$0.25 

Labor, say .30 


$0.55 


Floating beds on concrete for wood-block paving. 
This may be priced the same. 

Portland cement laid as paving, 2 inches thick. The 
cost would be about 6 cents for materials, 10 cents for 
labor, or 16 cents. 

Slenitic cement grounds for Keene’s cement. This 
cement forms a good ground, and can be worked to a 
smooth face. Obtain price and instructions fiom the 
manufacturers or dealers. 





HODGSON'S ESTIMATOR 


186 


PORTLAND CEMENT 

Angle 8-inch girth, and arris. If circular add 60 per 
cent to previous prices. 

Splayed angle, 8-inch girth, and arris. This may be 
priced at the same as the other angle. 

6 inches by J inch square skirting and dubbing out. 
6 inches of plain face in narrow widths at 60 cents; 
add 4 cents for arris and narrow return, and add 4 cents 
for dubbing; 3J inches in all. 

Miters. Price these at 1-foot run of the skirting. 

Stops. Price these at one-half the last item. 

Moulded skirting 9 inches high and 1 inch projec¬ 
tion, and dubbing out. Say, 5 cents for plain face, 5 
cents dubbing and 5 cents for small moulding. 

Ditto, ditto, raking, and ramped over steps and risers. 
Price this at 60 per cent on last price. 

Both these prices are rather high. 

Internal miters. These are worth 1-foot run of the 
straight skirting; but the above prices are sufficient to 
cover the cost of miters and other extra labors. 

External miters. These are of the same value. 

Stops. These are worth half a miter. 

TILING 

The cost of tiles and tiling can only be accurately 
ascertained by first getting price of tiles and cost of 
labor in laying them. These are laid in different 
ways; a door boarding, on cement, or on laths or bat¬ 
tens. The latter method is that generally employed. 
Tiles, in shape, are of two main classes; those which, 
like pantiles, interlock, and those which, like common 
plain tiles, are nearly flat, and are laid on the same 
principle as slates. In the former class innumerable 


AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


187 


forms have been patented, but few of them get into 
general use, chiefly owing to difficulties of replacing 
when broken, and the trouble of fitting them to irregu¬ 
larly-shaped roofs. Plain or crown tiles are such as 
have a rectangular form and plane surface. A custom 
is supposed to regulate size, but they are generally 
10^ inches long, 6£ inches broad, and J inch thick, 
with two holes in them, through which oak pins are 
inserted to hang upon the laths. Sometimes cast-iron 
pegs are used instead, or frequently extra large flat¬ 
headed wrought nails, made of pure zinc or zinc and 
copper, which have the "advantage of allowing a tile 
to be replaced from the inside of the roof by lifting up 
the others to place in the tile and drop in the nails in 
a few seconds. Sometimes, also, tiles have projecting 
nibs cast on in lieu of pegs, or they may be both holed 
and nibbed, so that if the nib is broken off, the tile 
may be nailed. In use, one tile laps over another, and 
that part which then appears uncovered is called the 
gauge of the tiling, likewise known as the fade or 
weather. Many tilers have a practice, when plain tiles 
are set in mortar, not to peg more than one hole in 
ten, or sometimes only every third or tenth course is 
nailed. This is bad, as with the decay of the mortar, 
the tile will slip down. For walls, battens, nailed or 
plugged to walls, are the best mode of fixing for ver¬ 
tical tile-hanging, the top of each tile being bedded in 
cement mortar, and the bottom double course bedded 
and pointed in cement on a tilting fillet. 

In dealing with tiles as a roof covering, the first 
thing to be sure of is that the tile selected is capable 
of excluding all damp, and will withstand the disin¬ 
tegrating influence of the weather. 

Pantiles are the commonest class of tiles, and are 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


188 

very cheap. They hold moisture a long time, and 
require extra strong roof timbers. They are best laid 
to a slope of about 24 degrees, and are mostly used for 
covering sheds, barns, and buildings which do not 
require a plastered ceiling. 

Plain tiles are smaller than pantiles, but being laid 
with more lap, are heavier per square. They can be 
laid to any slope from 25 to 60 degrees. 

Fancy roofing tiles are similar in many respects to 
plain tiles and are much used for external walls of 
half-timbered houses in some countries. 

Roofing tiles are subject to the same defects as terra¬ 
cotta, viz., if they are burnt thoroughly many of them 
twist and warp and will be found to be untrue, and if 
they are not burnt very hard they are liable to decay. 

A good tile should be well tempered, of good color, 
free from stones, carefully trimmed, should give forth 
a clear ringing sound, and take its weathering quickly. 

The characteristics of a good roofing tile are density, 
toughness, and incipient vitrification, the last named 
quality producing, to some extent, that pleasing tint 
familiarly known as “bloom,” one of the peculiarities 
of some makes of tiles. 

Among the best are Jersey tiles, the color of which 
varies from pale strawberry red to dark brindle (a deep 
reddish brown), or even to blue, through an almost 
infinite gradation of color, so that almost any color can 
be obtained. They get their weathering quickly, and 
are not porous. 

Sizes of tiles. Plain tiles, 10J inches by 6J inches 
by J inch, and weigh about 2J pounds each, and 11 
inches by 7 inches by § inch, and weigh about 3 
pounds each. Pantiles are 13J inches by 9J inches by 
i inch, and weigh about 5J pounds each. 





AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


189 

A square of roofing requires 800 plain l.les laid to a 
3-inch gauge, 700 tiles laid to a 3|-inch gauge, and 600 
tiles laid to a 4-inch gauge; and 180 pantiles laid to 
10-inch gauge, 164 pantiles laid to 11-inch gauge, and 
150 pantiles laid to 12-inch gauge. 

One square of plain tiles weighs about 15 cwt., and 
one square of pantiles about 8 cwt. 

Spruce tiling laths or battens are 1 £ inches by } inch 
to 2 inches by 1 inch, and oak tiling laths 1J by \ inch. 


100 plain tile laths 5 ft. long.1 bundle 

12 pantile laths, 10 ft. long.1 bundle 


One square of tiling requires 1 bundle of laths, 12 
hundred of nails, 1 peck of tile pins, and three hods of 
mortar. 

One square pantiling requires 1 bundle of laths and 
1J hundred of nails. 

To ascertain the comparative merits of tiles, as to 
their weathering properties, there is no better test 
than the amount of water they will absorb. 

Most roofing tiles are slightly absorbent, except in 
the case of highly-fired brindled and blue tiles, and for 
this reason old tiles have, in a few isolated instances, 
attained to a higher market value than new tiles, as by 
age and atmospheric deposit they have acquired an 
artificial surface coating and lost the property of 
absorption, at least on their outer exposed surface. 

Tiles of a bright red, or an earthy red, color should 
be viewed with suspicion and avoided. They are 
invariably absorbent, and will not weather well. Tiles 
may be obtained of almost any color. 

Well-formed roofing tiles are straight in their width 
and hollow in their length, that the tails of each course 
may lie close and tight on the backs of the under 
course. 




HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


190 

Straight tiles will not clear themselves one over the 
other, and should therefore be rejected. Where point¬ 
ing is necessary, it is customary in good work to grind 
down some of the broken tiles, to mix with the Port¬ 
land cement as a substitute for sand, that the finished 
pointing may approximate in color to the general tone 
of the roof covering. 

The gauge of tiling is the distance from head to tail 
minus the lap divided by 2; thus a lOJ-inch tile laid to 
a 2J-inch lap will only expose 4 inches of its length to 
the view when the work is completed. 

FIXING 

Old-fashioned tiles have no nibs or stubs for hang¬ 
ing, and must therefore be kept in situ by means of two 
wooden pins or nails. 

When tiles are bedded in lime and hair mortar the 
tops only should be bedded, the mortar extending, 
say, not more than 3 inches below the head of the tile. 

When a roof is close-boarded (and sometimes felted) 
there is no need for bedding, though of course a cover¬ 
ing of bedded tiles is less liable to breakage when a 
man is climbing about a roof than would be one of 
unbedded tiles. 

In tiling roofs it is well to cover them with roof 
boarding and felting before laying the laths and tiles. 
This should always be done in good work. Occasion¬ 
ally architects are compelled, owing to the cost of 
work, to eliminate the felting, or covering with 2-ply 
paper, and lay the tiles on the boarding; but this 
practice is unwise, as experience shows, and the boards 
alone do not stop draughts. 

Secret gutters should only be used in positions 






AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


191 


where they will always clear themselves, especially if 
tne dwelling be surrounded by trees. 

Tiles, and tile-and-a-half, should be worked against 
all secret and other gutters, where practicable, alter¬ 
nately on each course. 

Tiles overhanging secret gutters should not be 
bedded on the lead, nor should their edges be pointed, 
otherwise rain may be drawn into the roof. 

The lead welt should stand its own thickness above 
the backs of the battens, forming a tilt for the tiles, 
so as to throw the water away from their edge on to 
the main body of the roof. 

Ridge tiles should be of such a section as to admit 
of being pressed or made in one piece. Where an 
ornamental cresting is required, it should be made as a 
separate piece entirely detached from the ridge tile 
proper, the latter being made with a groove to receive 
the cresting. 

The cresting should not be stuck on the ridge tiles 
by means of semi-liquid clay while they are in the clay 
state. Such work is more or less defective and unsatis¬ 
factory in the end. 

Pantiles should be laid on laths and a good bed of 
hair plaster, in order to secure them to the roof. 

Tiles hung against vertical walls are treated precisely 
as are those on roofs. 

HIPS, VALLEYS, AND RIDGES 

In a tiled roof valley and hip tiles should be used in 
preference to lead gutters, secret or otherwise, bed¬ 
ding the valley tiles at their heads to keep them in situ 
and steady while laying the plain tiles. 

Hip and valley tiles should be purpose made, with 
proper regard to their enclosed angle or pitch. 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


192 

Where a minor roof runs in at right angles to a 
greater or main roof, intersecting it at a point below 
the main ridge, it is desirable to use a piece of 4-pound 
lead dressed to the shape of the minor ridge and the 
slope of the main roof, and called a saddle piece 
This prevents the possibility of rain getting in at the 
junction of the roofs. 

The simplest form of ridge tile is that consisting of 
the two wings terminating in a roil at their angle of 
intersection. 

Another good form of ridge tile is that of a plain 
vertical blade rising from the angle of intersection of 
the wings, and with the square angle at each end of the 
blade cut off at an angle of 45 degrees, and which can 
be pressed in one piece by a simple operation. 

Ridge tiles should be well soaked before use, bedded 
in gauged lime-and-hair, and their vertical joints drawn 
up solid with cement, not simply pointed after they 
are fixed. 

When the roof is enclosed on the under side, it is 
customary to bed in lime-and-hair the eaves courses 
only, for the sake of steadiness in the fixing. 

As before stated, the cost of a tile roof will vary 
much according to locality and quality of materials 
used. The average cost per square, however, will be 
about $20.00 for the best tiling and about $15.00 for 
the more common kinds. While these figures are not 
correct, they may act as a sort of guide to the esti¬ 
mator when figuring on tile roofs. In all cases, how¬ 
ever, wherever possible, I advise that tTie local prices 
be obtained and that at least 15 per cent be added to 
these prices, unless the work is executed in a large city 
where prices are more constant than in country places; 
then only the usual percentage of profit be added. 






AND CONTRACTOR'S GUIDE 


193 


So little tiling is done in this country (more the 
pity) that expert tilers are scarce and wages high and 
varied, so that nothing can be given definitely regard¬ 
ing the cost of this work. 

In measuring for tiling, take the whole superficial 
area, and allow extra for eaves next parapets, 4 inches; 
dripping eaves, 6 inches; all hips and cuttings, 3 
inches, and for valleys, 12 inches. 

For pantiling, also take the whole superficial area, 
and at hips, take the length of the hip-rafter by 12 
inches'for cutting and waste, to be added to the super¬ 
ficial area; take the run of hip and ridges, and of 
mortar or cement filleting, and the plain tile heading. 

Take in all cases the number of hip hooks and T 
nails to be painted in oil. 

Secure gauge of the tile, the quantity and descrip¬ 
tion of the laths and nails used; also if laid dry or 
pointed outside or inside with mortar or cement, and 
charge up accordingly; get exact cost of one square 
according to data given in the foregoing, and then 
find number of squares to be tiled, and multiply the 
number of squares by the cost of one square estimated 
upon. 


THE SLATER 

The great similarity which runs through the specifi¬ 
cations for slaters’ work, no matter by whom drawn, 
or for what class of work it is intended to apply them, 
is a mistake, as it often leads to bad results. The 
most suitable slate for the particular work in hand 
should be carefully selected. 

The architect should consider the pitch it is intended 
to give the roof, the length of span, and also whether 


194 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


mitered or close-cut hips are to form any portion of the 
roof. 

If the hips are to be mitered, the angle should not be 
less than 45 degrees, otherwise very large slates must 
be used at the hip, which looks unsightly, and on no 
account should small pieces be allowed. 

Soakers should invariably be used where soft slates 
are laid, as flushing or bad work of any sort stains the 
slates and produces a bad effect. 

In exposed situations, where snow may be driven 
over the lap, it is better that the roof should be 
boarded and felted. If battens are used instead, ver¬ 
tical ones are less liable to cause a collections of snow at 
certain points, and apparent leakage when that occurs. 

When snow may slide off main roof on to any glass 
below, wire guards should be fixed along the eaves to 
check it. Open batten show-guttering should be pro¬ 
vided to all V and parapet gutters to allow snow-water 
to get away. 

Mitered hips and valleys with 4-pound lead soakers 
under slates make the neatest finish to slated roofs, 
and, if properly secured, the most satisfactory. In 
order to make a neat finish the roofs should be 45 
degrees pitch and the slates used in such cases should 
be small, say 16 x 8; the slater has then the choice of 
such sizes as 16 x 9, 10, and 12 to work up the hip 
with. It is impossible to obtain wider slates, and this 
often induces the slater to lay the slate lengthways to 
save the introduction of small pieces; the sides of the 
roofs forming the miter should be of the same pitch. 

If additional precaution is deemed necessary, small 
rolls may be screwed down to the hip rafter, over the 
mitering; this is rather unsightly and not recom¬ 
mended if soakers are used. 


AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


195 


Slates should be nailed with copper nails, which are 
practically imperishable. The life of a zinc nail rarely 
exceeds twenty years, and iron still less. 

In soft and rag slating the nails should be very 
stout, and the length 2 inches, If inches, and l£ inches; 
few of the latter, if any, should be used, say on the 
last three or four courses only; the strength should be 
90, 110, and 130 to the pound respectively. 

In regular-sized work such stout nails are inad¬ 
visable, as the heads are large and will not recess as 
readily into the slate, and the top of the head must be 
flush with the surface of the slate, or anything press¬ 
ing on that particular part will damage the slate above; 
1-^-inch and 1^ inch nails are recommended, 180 and 
250 to the pound respectively. 

Gauge.—The gauge of slating is the part left ex¬ 
posed, viz., deduct the lap from the total length of 
slate and half the remainder, thus, 

20-3 = 17 = 81- 

Lap for soft and rag slating should never be less 
than 3 inches. For regular-sized slating, 4 inches to 
24 - inches, according to pitch of roof. 

Repairs to roofs should be done by an experienced 
slater and straps prohibited; the lead or zinc strap is a 
ready way, but raises the tail of the slate up, and is 
turned back by snow slipping down and slate slips 
with it. 

Slating on unplaned boards is preferable to that on 
battens, because it is more waterproof and prevents t u ~ 
ingress of driving snow. The cost of good quality 
I-inch rough board is about $2.00 per square as com¬ 
pared with 75 cents for 2 x 4 inch slate battens, and the 
labor of laying and quantity of nails equal in each case. 

In superior work heavy felt (inodorous or otherwise) 


196 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


is inserted between the covering boards, and the slates 
or battens may be added above the felt to render the 
building more proof against sun heat. 

Bedding and pointing on under side is not recom¬ 
mended unless the roofs are well ventilated; the heat 
of the house will condense on the under side of slate 
and quickly rot the wood work, and, in course of time, 
the slate also. Experience shows that a rough slate 
will keep out driving rain better than a smooth one, if 
well laid; the reason for this is that there is a con¬ 
siderable quantity of air between the surface of rough 
slate and practically no suction; also the thick edge of 
the slate breaks up the force of the wind on the sur¬ 
face of the slates. 

In church roofs, where the pitch is very sharp, small 
slates are recommended, from 14 x 8 to 18 x 9, accord¬ 
ing to pitch; as the pitch decreases the slate should be 
wider. 

For roofs of warehouses, where much depends on 
the work being perfectly water-tight, “tin” slates are 
recommended; they are about § inch thick, and are 
large and laid in diminishing courses, the gauge being 
about 15 inches at the eaves and 10 inches at the ridge. 

These slates are scarce, and architects should insist 
on the order being placed when the contract is signed, 
to ensure delivery in time. 

If it is thought advisable to use the above-mentioned 
slates, sizes such as 16 x 12, 18 x 12, 20 x 22, 22 x 12, 
and 24 x 12 are suggested, the size varying according 
to pitch. 

For curb and mansard roofs, slates larger than 16 x 9 
should never be used, the whole weight being thrown 
on the nail in such cases. The appearance of small 
slates is also far better on such roofs. 












AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE * 197 

With span of 25 feet to 40 feet, which entail a deep 
rafter and flat pitch, it is a wise precaution to vary the 
lap, giving extra at eaves and for a third of the way up 
the slope; in such roofs the slates should not be less 
than 11 inches wide, the extra width being a safeguard 
against side leakage through the nail holes, 

Merchants are only able to obtain a proportion of 
sizes yielded by the rock, consequently it is some¬ 
times impossible to fulfill the general specification of 
20 x 10 Countess slate, as the quarries will not sacrifice 
the rock to make the full demand of 20 x 10 if the 
block will make 20 x 12; if 20 x 10 were insisted on, in 
that case it would entail an extra cost of about $3.50 
per square over other sizes. 

Actual size has little to do with the quality of the 
work, the lap is the principal factor, and the result in 
16 x 10 or 20 x 10 is exactly the same. The best all¬ 
round size is probably 16 x 10. 

Single samples are very unsatisfactory means of 
judging of the quality of the bulk; at least six 
should be demanded, showing medium and thinnest. 
Where possible, the inspection of the bulk should be 
made. 

A good slate is hard and tough, will give a sharp 
metallic ring when struck with the knuckles, does not 
split under the slater’s ax, is easily holed without 
fracture, not tender or friable at the edges, and should 
contain no white iron pyrites (marcasite). 

A bad slate feels smooth and greasy to the touch, 
absorbs moisture if stood in water, splits while being 
holed or trimmed at the head, breaks when pressed 
upon, emits a clayey odor when breathed upon, and is 
liable to premature decay. 

Slate ridge rolls and wings should be fastened with 






198 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


brass or copper screws, and bedded and pointed in lead 
cement, one-third lead and two-thirds best oil putty. 
Iron screws should not be permitted, they oxidize and 
burst the rolls. If wings more than \ inch thick are 
used the upper edges must be beveled. 

Half or checker slating is sometimes employed for 
farm buildings or where special ventilation or cheap 
covering is required. The saving by this method is in 
the quantity of slates and nails used; the battens or 
boards remaining the same. In place of the slates 
being butted close to one another/they are spaced 
laterally in such a manner as to just cover the joint 
between the slates in the course below. This slating, 
known also as open slating, is well adapted for use in 
farm buildings, covered yards, etc., as by its construc¬ 
tion it affords a certain amount of ventilation. 

In laying slate there is always an element of risk of 
breakage that must be accounted for, and, as all roofs 
must be left in good order and perfectly water-tight, 
an allowance of about 25 cents per square must be 
made above all other provisions. It is very necessary 
to go carefully over the slating and see that the slater 
who does the work makes good any deficient or broken 
slates before he leaves it; and beyond that there is the 
risk of breakages from other workmen, for some men 
must go on the roof after, although as much as pos¬ 
sible this should be avoided. 

Cutting round small ventilators, V-shaped on plain, 
and 12 inches by 12 inches.—If the ventilator itself 
measures 12 by 12, the flashing round it will, of course, 
exceed the dimension and the slate will not run close 
up; giving another foot run of cutting, the slate would 
have to be tilted against the ventilator to throw the 
water off, or a secret gutter formed. The eaves cut- 











AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


199 


ting price at 10 inches of the slating, the plain cutting 
at 6 inches of it. 

Cutting round 3-inch lees pipe (ventilators from soil- 
pipes) and making good.—These are at $1.00 each, 
including profit. 

The following prices are given herewith as being 
approximately correct, being taken from the price list 
of the Slatington Slate Co., Slatington, Pa., but I 
would advise estimators to get other price lists, down 
to the latest date, as the prices are continually 
changing. 


BANGOR NO. I BLACK ROOFING SLATE 



No. 1 

No. 1 Ribbon 


No. 1 

No. 1 Ribbon 

Sizes 

Price per Sqr. 

Price per Sqr. 

Sizes 

Price per Sqr. 

Price per Sqr. 


F. 0. B. Quarries F. 0. B. Quarries 


F. 0. B. Quarries F. 0. B. Quarries 

24 x 14 

...$3.50 

$3.10 

16 x 12 

_$3.85 ' 

• • • • 

24 x 12 

... 3.50 

3.10 

16 x 10 

_ 4.25 

3.50 

22 x 12 

... 3.85 

3.25 

16 x 9 

.... 4.50 

• • • • 

22 x 11 

... 3.S5 

3.25 

16 x 8 

.... 4.50 

3.50 

20 x 12 

... 3.85 

3.25 

14 x 10 

.... 3.85 

3.50 

20 x 11 

... 4.25 

• • • • 

14 x 8 

.... 4.25 

3.50 

20 x 10 

... 4.25 

3.35 

14 x 7 

.... 4.00 

• • • • 

18 x 12 

... 3.85 

• • . • 

12 x 8 

.... 3.75 

• • • • 

18 x 10 

... 4.25 

3.35 

12 x 7 

.... 3.50 

• • • • 

18 x 9 

... 4.40 

3.50 

12 x 6 

.... 3.50 

• • • • 


Add 25 per cent to above prices. 


BROWNVILLE MAINE SLATE 

No more beautiful slate is quarried in the world than 
the Brownville. It is very uniform in thickness and 
of smooth surface, and when laid on the roof presents 
a surface equal to polished steel. For costly private 
residences, churches, and public edifices, it has no 
superior. 





200 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


Price per Square 

Sizes F. O. B. Quarries 

No. 1 No. 2 

24x14.$6.20 None. 

24 x 12. 6.20 $4.95 

22 x 14. 6.10 None. 

22 x 12, 22 x 11 . 6.30 4.95 

20x 14.6.50 None. 

20x 12, 20x 11, 20x 10 . 6.70 4.95 

18x14. 6.45 None. 

18x 12, 18 x 11 . 6.75 4.75 

18 x 10, 18x9 . 7.20 5.20 

16x 12, 16x 11 . 7.00 5.00 

16x 10, 16x9, 16x8 . 7.20 5.20 

14x 12, 14 x 10, 14x9, 14 x8 . 6.45 4.60 

14 x 7. 6.25 4.50 

12x 10, 12x9, 12x8, 12x 7. 6.00 4.10 

12x 6, 11 x 8, 11 x 7 . 5.20 3.45 

10x8 . 5.00 3.45 

9x7. 4.00 None. 


Add 25 per cent to above prices. 


GREEN, PURPLE AND RED ROOFING SLATE 


For ornamental roofs these colors are in steady 
demand. They are also used for entire roofs in many 
instances. 



Unfading Green. 

Purple. 

Red. 



Price per 

Price per 

Price per 



Square 

Square 

Square 

Sizes 


F. O. B. 

F. O. B. 

F. O. B. 



Quarries 

Quarries 

Quarries 

24 x 14, 24 x 12 . 


...$3.50 

$4.00 


22 x 14', 22 x 12 . 


... 3.50 

4.00 


20 x 14', 18 x 12, 

16 x12 . . 

... 3.50 

4.00 


22 x 11, 20 x 12, 

20 x 11 .. 

... 3.75 

4.25 


18 x 11. 


... 3.75 

4 25 


14 x 10, 14x9 . . 


... 3.75 

4.25 

$11.00 

20 x 10, 18 x 10 . 


... 4.00 

4.50 

11.00 

16 x 10. 


... 4.00 

4.50 

11.00 

14x8, 14x7 ... 


... 4.00 

4.50 

11.00 

12 x 10. 


... 3.25 

3 50 


12 x 8. 


... 3.25 

3.50 

9.25 

12x7, 12x6... 


... 3.25 

3.25 

9.25 

18x9, 16x9... 


... 4.00 

4.50 

11.00 

16x8. 


... 4.00 

4.50 

11.50 


To these prices add 30 per cent. 



















































AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


201 


PEACH BOTTOM SLATE 


Price per Square 
F. O. B. Quarries 


20 x 10 , 18x10, 18x9.$ 5.00 

16 x 9, 16 x 8 . 5.60 

16x10, 16x11, 18x11 . 5.50 

18x 12 , 20 x 11 , 20 x 12 . 5.50 

20 x 13, 22 x 11 , 22 x 12 . 5.50 

22 x 13, 22 x 14, 24 x 12 . 5.50 

24 x 13, 24 x 14 . 5.35 

24 x 15, 24 x 16 . 5 .15 

14x7, 14x8, 14x9, 14x10. 5.25 

12x6, 12x7, 12x8, 12x9, 12x10. 4.75 

11x5, 2 -inch lap . 3.50 

11 x 6 , 11x7, 11 x 8 , 2 -inch lap . 3.75 

10x5, 2 -inch lap . 3.25 

10 x 6 , 10x7, 10 x 8 , 2 -inch lap . 3.50 

Strictly 3-16 inch in thickness. 7.00 

Four to the inch in rick . 7.50 

Strictly f inch in thickness . 9.00 


Drilling and countersinking, 60 cts. per square extra. 


NO. 2 


All sizes above 16 inch .$3.50 

16 inch . 3.40 

14 inch . 3.25 

12 inch . 2.75 


The peach bottom slate is one of the best in the 
country; it is almost everlasting, never loses its color 
and is non-absorbent. 

Add from 15 to 25 per cent to above prices. 


SEA GREEN ROOFING SLATE 

This is extensively used in many of the Western 
States. The color is not permanent, but it is strong 
and durable. For low-cost buildings it is a favorite in 
many localities and while the color changes, the dura- 























202 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


bility of the material does not seem to suffer. It 
makes a good all-round slate roof. 


Price per Square 
Sizes F. O. B. Quarries 

24 x 14.$3.10 

24 x 12. 3.10 

22 x 14. 3.00 

22x12. 3.10 

22x11. 3.20 

20 x 12. 3.10 

20 x 10. 3.20 

18 x 12. 3.10 

18 x 10. 3.10 

18 x 9. 3.10 


Price per Square 
Sizes F. O. B. Quarries 

16 x 12.$3.00 

16x 10. 3.00 

16 x 9. 3.00 

16x8 . 2.90 

14 x 10. 2.90 

14 x 9. 2.90 

14 x 8. 2.90 

14 x 7. 2.70 

12 x 8. 2.70 


Add from 15 to 25 per cent to these prices. 


To obtain the correct measurement of a surface of a 
slate when laid, and the number of squares on any par¬ 
ticular surface, we simply subtract the lap from the 
length of the slate and half of the remainder will give 
the length of the surface exposed, which, when multi¬ 
plied by the width of slate, gives the surface sought; 
so that to obtain the exact number of slates of any 
description required to cover any given surface is quite 
a simple matter. Further on I will give a rule for 
finding the number of slates required for covering any 
given area. 

The following table gives the weight of slates of 
different thicknesses per square foot super. 

Slate t 3 s of an inch thick, 2.71 pounds per square foot. 

Slate \ of an inch thick, 3.62 pounds per square foot. 

Slate | of an inch thick, 5.43 pounds per square foot. 

Slate \ of an inch thick, 7.25 pounds per square foot. 

Slate f of an inch thick, 9.06 pounds per square foot. 





























AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


203 


Slate | of an inch thick, 10.87 pounds per square foot. 

Slate 1 inch thick, 14.5 pounds per square foot. 

Slate 1| inches thick, 18.64 pounds per square foot. 

Slate 1 ^ inches thick, 22.48 pounds per square foot. 

Slate 2 inches thick, 30.00 pounds per square foot. 

There are certain rules that are generally recognized 
by estimators and builders for the measurement of 
roofs, whether of slate, shingles or other materials, 
and may be given as follows: 

For plain roofs, measure the length of the roof and 
multiply by the length of the rafter. 

For roofs with hips, valleys, gables, dormers, etc., 
measure each section through the center and multiply 
by length of rafter, and in addition to the actual sur¬ 
face of the roof, measure the 
length of all hips and valleys, 
by one foot wide. No deduc¬ 
tion is made for dormer win¬ 
dows, skylights, chimneys, etc., 
unless they measure more than 
4 feet square. If more than 4 
feet square, and less than 8 feet 
square, deduct one-half; if more 
than eight feet square, deduct 
the whole. Ifhips.are mitered, 
charge extra. Ridge rolls, flash¬ 
ings, valleys, etc., are charged 
extra. 

The names given to ornamen¬ 
tal slates and shingles are 
known by the trade and workmen as given and shown 
in Fig. 17; the examples are among those most 
used. 

The expert slater, at the present writing, receives 












204 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


$5.00 per day of nine hours, and he is supposed to lay 
about 1| squares, providing everything is handy for 
him. This wage, however, may be, and is, only given 
in a few localities. In some towns it is less, and in 
some cities it is more; so that the estimator should, 
wnenever possible, obtain local prices both for labor 
and material; then he cannot well make many errors in 
his estimate if he is at all careful. 

The following hints regarding preparing estimates 
may not be out of place, and I give them even if I risk 
being accused of repetition, as I have given nearly the 
same advice in previous pages; but it cannot be given 
too often to the young and inexperienced estimator, 
for the omission of a single item may result in grievous 
loss. 

The first thing to do, before commencing to make an 
estimate of the cost of a job of work, is to see to it that 
the drawings and specifications be carefully studied 
and remarks made for future guidance or reference. 

Excavator and Bricklayer. —Take the dimensions for 
the excavations wholly from plans and sections, then 
refer to the specification and add whatever does not 
appear on the drawings. 

Take brick work as above directed. 

The chimney bars may be taken with the dimen¬ 
sions of the breasts; refer to specifications for descrip¬ 
tion. 

The centering and spring pieces may be taken with 
arches. 

The wood bricks and springing pieces may be taken 
with brick arches. 

Take dimensions by the foot run of the making good 
and restorings of all stone sills, after mason, etc. 


AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


205 

Slater.—Take from the plan of roof and section? 
then refer to specification and clear all off. 

In the bill provide for leaving all slating perfect at 
completion of the work. 

Carpenter.—Take from plans and sections, referring 
to specification. Take ali iron attached to timbers. 
Find the quantity of boarding, or battening, to roof, 
with the slating, deducting eaves, cuttings, etc., from 
the latter; if much discrepancy, there must be an 
error. 

Plumber.—Take everything from specification, refer¬ 
ring to drawings only for lengths. Be careful in allow¬ 
ing all turnings up under slating and against walls, 
round rolls, flashing, etc. (refer to the quantity of 
boarding to flats, etc., as a check.) 

Mason.—Take from specification, referring to the 
drawings only for dimensions. Attend to the cube 
quantities, scantling lengths, etc., also to the method 
pointed out for taking labor. 

Joiner and Hardware.—Peruse specification, referring 
to drawings only for dimensions. Take hardware 
from floor to floor. Provide for casing stairs, and 
covering handrail to prevent any injury during the 
progress of the work, and for projecting masonry in 
like manner. 

Provide for attending plumbers to sinks, cisterns, 
W. C., etc., stating how many of each. 

Plasterer, Internally.—Look carefully to specification, 
particularly as to enrichments, referring to drawing 
for dimensions. Whitening and coloring is taken from 
plastering, but appears separately. 


206 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


Provide for making good round mantels after 
mason. 

Glazier.—Can find all in specification, referring to 
drawings for any size. Check quantity of glass by the 
sashes, allowing for wood. Provide for leaving same 
clean and sound. 

Painter.—All taken from specification. 

All wood work painted may be collected from the 
joiner; one-seventh for edges; when both sides are 
painted, double dimension. Painting for plastered 
walls, from plasterer. 

Paper-Hanger.—May be taken from plasterer. 

Summary of trades in order. Conditions of contract 
to be taken from specification, and furnished in the 
memorandum sheet. 

Fees.—Government, municipal, sewer, and architect’s 
fees to be attached at end. 

At the head of each trade give fair description from 
specification of quality of materials, etc. 

Lastly.—Generally review the whole of the drawings 
and specifications, that nothing may be omitted or mis¬ 
represented. 

RULES, TABLES, NOTES, DATA, AND POINTERS USEFUL 

TO THE ESTIMATOR 

The following tables, data, etc., have been specially 
selected for the use of the estimator, and will be found 
useful for reference and for making hurried approxi¬ 
mate estimates of work in detail or in bulk. The 
vtems are carefullv indexed, so that any particular one 



AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


207 


of them may be found without much loss of time; a 
matter of considerable importance to the busy man, 
It would extend the limits of this book too far beyond 
the size intended to insert tables of scantling measure¬ 
ment, wages, extended tables of diameters, circum¬ 
ferences and areas of circles and similar matter, which 
after all are not of much actual service to the esti¬ 
mator, but which are usually published in works of this 
kind. 

The average weight of medium and heavy cast-iron 
drain pipes are given in the following tables, viz.:— 


WEIGHT AND THICKNESS OF CAST-IRON DRAIN-PIPES 


Diame¬ 

ter 

of Pipe 

Length 
exclu¬ 
sive of 
socket 

Thick¬ 
ness 
of Metal 

Depth 

of 

Socket 

Average weight 
per pipe 

Approximate 
weight per 
foot run 

in. 

ft. 

in. 

in. 

cwt. 

qr. 

lb. 

cwt. 

qr. 

lb. 

A i 

9 

1 1 

3_2 

4 

1 

1 

12 

0 

0 

17 

4 1 

9 

3 

s 

4 

1 

1 

20 

0 

0 

18 

44 

9 


4 

1 

2 

14* 

0 

0 

20 



9 

| 

4 

1 

3 

0 

0 

0 

22 

5 


9 

13 

3 2 

4 

2 

0 

0 

0 

0 

25 



9 

13 

41 

2 

1 

0 

0 

1 

0 

6 - 


9 

* 

4* 

2 

2 

0 

0 

1 

3 



9 

4 

41 

2 

3 

7 

0 

1 

7 



9 

l 7 e 

41 

2 

3 

14 

0 

1 

8 

7 ^ 

> 

9 

4 

41 

3 

1 

0 

0 

1 

12 

c. j 

9 

ft 

41 

3 

1 

0 

0 

1 

r % 

8 

9 

4 

41 

3 

2 

24 

0 

1 

v 

9 1 


9 

4 

44 

4 

0 

7 

0 

1 

23 


9 

hi 

44 

4 

2 

0 

0 

2 

0 



9 


44 

4 

2 

0 

0 

2 

0 

in 

10 - 


9 

1Z 

44 

5 

0 

0 

0 

2 

6 


r 

9 


44 

5 

2 

24 

0 

2 

15 



9 

A 

44 

6 

0 

0 

0 

2 

19 



9 

f 

44 

6 

2 

14 

0 

2 

26 

12 < 


12 

hi 

44 

7 

2 

7 

0 

2 

14 



12 

A 

44 

7 

3 

14 

0 

2 

18 



12 


44 

8 

2 

14 

0 

2 

25 




















20 8 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


FABLE SHOWING NUMBER OF BRICKS IN WALLS OF 
VARIOUS THICKNESSES 


Per sq. 
foot 


^K' - 


THICKNESS OF WALLS 














44 in 

9 in. or 

13 in. or 

18 in. 

22 in. or 

1 26 in. 

30 in. or 

i 35 in. 

39 in. or 

44 inch 

of wall 

or 

or 2 

or 3 

i or 4 

or 5 

, brick 

1 brick 

1* brick 

brick 

2* brick 

brick 

3* brick 

i brick 

4* brick 

brick 

ft. in. 
0.6 

3} 

7 

10* 

14 

17* 

21 

24* 

28 

31* 

35 

1.0 

7 

14 

21 

28 

35 

42 

49 

56 

63 

70 

1.6 

10* 

21 

31* 

42 

52* 

63 

73* 

84 

94* 

105 

2.0 

14 

28 

42 

56 

70 

84 

98 

112 

126 

140 

2.6 

17* 

35 

52* 

70 

87* 

105 

122* 

140 

157* 

175 

3.0 

21 

42 

63 

84 

105 

126 

147 

168 

189 

210 

3.6 

24* 

49 

73* 

98 

122* 

147 

171* 

196 

220* 

245 

4.0 

28 

56 

84 

112 

140 

168 

196 

224 

252 

280 

4.6 

31* 

63 

94* 

126 

157* 

189 

220* 

252 

283* 

315 

5.0 

35 

70 

105 

140 

175 

210 

245 

280 

315 

350 

5.6 

38* 

77 

115* 

154 

192* 

231 

269* 

308 

346* 

385 

6.0 

42 

84 

126 

168 

210 

252 

294 

336 

378 

420 

6.6 

45* 

91 

136* 

182 

227* 

273 

318* 

364 

409* 

455 

7 0 

49 

98 

147 

196 

245 

294 

343 

392 

441 

490 

7.6 

52* 

105 

157* 

210 

262* 

315 

367* 

420 

472* 

525 

8.0 

56 

112 

168 

224 

280 

336 

392 

448 

504 

560 

8.6 

59* 

119 

178* 

238 

297* 

357 

416* 

476 

535* 

595 

9.0 

63 

126 

189 

252 

315 

378 

441 

504 

567 

630 

9.6 

66* 

133 

199* 

266 

332* 

399 

465* 

532 

598* 

665 

10.0 

70 

140 

210 

280 

350 

420 

490 

560 

630 

700 

15.0 

105 

210 

315 

420 

525 

630 

735 

840 

945 

1050 

20.0 

140 

280 

420 

560 

700 

840 

980 

1120 

1260 

1400 

30.0 

210 

420 

630 

840 

1050 

1260 

1470 

1680 

1890 

2100 

40.0 

280 

560 

840 

1120 

1400 

1680 

1960 

2240 

2520 

2800 

50.0 

350 

700 

1050 

1400 

1750 

2100 

2450 

2800 

3150 

350ft 

60.0 

420 

840 

1260 

1680 

2100 

2520 

2940 

3360 

3780 

4200 

70.0 

490 

980 

1470 

1960 

2450 

2940 

3430 

3920 

4410 

490(1 

80.0 

560 

1120 

1680 

2240 

2800 

3360 

3920 

4480 

5040 

5600 

90.0 

630 

1260 

1890 

2520 

3150 

3780 

4410 

5040 

5670 

630ft 

100.0 

700 

1400 

2100 

2800 

3500 

4200 

4900 

5600 

6300 

7000 

200.0 

1400 

2800 

4200 

5600 

7000 

8400 

9800 

11200 

12600 

14000 

300.0 

2100 

4200 

6300 

8400 

10500 

12600 

14700 

16800 

18900 

21000 

400.0 

2800 

5600 

8400 

11200 

14000 

16800 

19600 

22400 

25200 

28000 

500.0 

3500 

7000 

10500 

14000 

17500 

21000 

24500 

28000 

31500 

35000 

600.0 

4200 

8400 

12600 

16800 

21000 

25200 

29400 

33600 

37800 

42000 

700.0 

4900 

9800 

14700 

19600 

24500 

29400 

34300 

39200 

44100 

49000 

800.0 

5600 

11200 

16800 

22400 

28000 

33600 

39200 

44800 

50400 

56000 

900.0 

6300 

12600 

18900 

25200 

31500 

37800 

44100 

50400 

56700 

63000 

1000.0 

7000 

14000 

21000 

28000 

35000 

42000 

49000 

56000 

63000 

70000 


Brick work is generally measured by 1,000 bricks 
laid in the wall. In consequence of variations in size 
of bricks, no rule for volume of laid brick can be 
exact. The following scale is, however, a fair 
average: 

7 compressed bricks to a super, foot 4-in. wall. 

14 compressed bricks to a super, foot 9-in. wall. 

21 compressed bricks to a super, foot 13-in. wall. 

28 compressed bricks to a super, foot 18-in. wall. 

35 compressed bricks to a super, foot 22-in. wall. 
















































AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


209 


Corners are not measured twice, as in stone work. 
Openings over 2 feet square are deducted. Arches 
are counted from the spring. Fancy work counted 1^- 
bricks for 1 . Pillars are measured on their face only. 

A cubic yard of mortar requires 1 cubic yard of sand 
and 9 bushels of lime, and will fill 30 hods. 

One thousand bricks closely stacked occupy about 
56 cubic feet. 

One thousand old bricks, cleaned and loosely 
stacked, occupy about 72 cubic feet. 

One superficial foot of gauged arches requires 10 
bricks. 

Pavements, according to size of bricks, take 38 brick 
on flat and 60 brick on edge per square vard. on an 
average. 

Five courses of brick will lay 1 foot in height on a 
chimney; 6 bricks in a course will make a flue 4 inches 
wide and 12 inches long, and 8 bricks in a course will 
make a flue 8 inches wide and 16 inches long. 


SAFE BEARING LOADS 
BRICK AND STONE MASONRY 

Brickwork — Lbs. per sq. in. 

Bricks, hard, laid in lime mortar. 100 

Hard, laid in Portland cement mortar.200 

Hard, laid in Rosendale cement mortar. 150 

Masonry — 

Granite, capstone. 700 

Squared stonework. 350 

Sandstone, capstone . 350 

Squared stonework. 175 

Rubble stonework, laid in lime mortar. 80 

Rubble stonework, laid in cement mortar. 150 

Limestone, capstone. 500 

Squared stonework. 250 

Rubble, laid in lime mortar. 80 

Rubble, laid in cement mortar. 150 

Concrete, 1 Portland, 2 sand, 5 broken stone. 150 

Foundation Soils — Tons per sq. foot 

Rock, hardest in native bed. . 100— 

Equal to best Ashlar masonry.25-40 


















210 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


Foundation Soils — Tons per sq. foot 

Equal to best brick. 15-20 

Clay, dry, in thick beds... 4-6 

Moderately dry, in thick beds. 2-4 

Soft.. . 1-2 

Gra\el and coarse sand, well cemented. 8-10 

Sand, compact and well cemented. 4-6 

Clean, dry. 2-4 

Quicksand, alluvial soils, etc .5-1 


EXCAVATIONS 

Excavations are measured by the yard (27 cubic 
feet), and irregular depths or surfaces are generally 
averaged in practice. 


MASONRY 

Stone masonry is measured by two systems, Quarry- 
man’s and Mason's Measurements. 

By the Quarryman’s Measurements the actual con¬ 
tents are measured; that is, all openings are taken oul 
and all corners are measured single. 

By Mason's Measurements, corners and piers arc 
doubled, and no allowance made for openings less 
than 3x5 feet and only half the amount of openings 
larger than 3x5 feet. 

Range work and cut work is measured superficially 
and in addition to wall measurement. 

An average of six bushels of sand and cement per 
perch of Rubble Masonry. 

Stone walls are measured by the perch (24f cubic 
feet). Openings less than 3 feet wide are counted 
solid; over 3 feet deducted, but 18 inches are added to 
the running measure for each jamb built. 

Arches are counted solid from their spring. Corners 
of buildings are measured twice. Pillars less than 3 
feet are counted on 3 sides as lineal, multiplied by 
fourth side and depth. 

















AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


211 


It is customary to measure all foundation and dimen¬ 
sion stone by the cubic foot. Water tables and base 
courses by lineal feet. All sills and lintels or ashlar 
by superficial feet, and no wall less than 18 inches 
thick. 

The height of brick or stone piers should not exceed 
12 times their thickness at the base. 

Masonry is usually measured by the perch (contain¬ 
ing 24.75 cubic feet), but in practice 25 cubic feet are 
considered a perch of masonry. 

Concreting is usually measured by the cubic yard 
(27 cubic feet). 

A cord of stone, 3 busheis of lime, and a cubic yard 
of sand, will lay 100 cubic feet of wall. 

Cement, 1 bushel, and sand, 2 bushels, will cover 3^ 
square yards 1 inch thick; 4^ square yards f inch thick, 
and 6f square yards ^ inch thick; 1 bushel of cement 
and 1 of sand will cover 2^ square yards 1 inch thick, 
3 square yards f inch thick, and 41 square yards 2 inch 
thick. 

THE PROPORTION OF’STOCK BRICKS AND MORTAR TO 

A ROD OF BRICKWORK 


Thickness of 
Mortar 
Joints 

Gauge or 
Height of 

4 Courses 

Cubic Feet 
of Bricks 

Cubic Feet 
of Mortar 

Number of 
Bricks 

inch. 

( 

121 

258 

58 

4180 

} i 

12 

257 

59 

4350 

111 

256 

60 

4540 

( 

121 

237 

79 

4010 

l ] 

12 

236 

80 

4176 

i 

111 

234 

82 

4358 


Bricks absorb about of their weight of water. 

A bricklayer’s hod measures 16 in. x 9 in. x 9 in. = 1296 cubic 
inches. 

Ditto will hold 20 bricks. 

Ditto, ditto § cubic foot of mortar. 













212 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


} 


Cubic Feet. 


Cubic Feet. 


Cubic Feet. 


Cubic Feet. 


Ditto, ditto $ bushel nearly. 

The proportions of lime, sand, or cement required for a rod of 
brickwork are: 

Of white stone lime. 26 

Sand. 78 

Gray lime. 36 

Sand. 72 

Blue lime. 38 

Sand. 77 

Roman or Portland cement. 45 

Sand. 45 

One rod of brickwork requires 126 gallons of water to slake 
the lime and mix the mortar. 

A load of Mortar = 1 cubic yard, and will fill 30 hods. 

Mortar produced 
in cubic feet. 

1 imperial bushel of blue lime, unslaked, weigh¬ 

ing 70 lbs. \ 

2 imperial bushels of sand, weighing 103 lbs. I 2.75 

6| gallons of water.) 

1 imperial bushel of blue lime, unslaked. \ 

3 imperial bushels of sand.>-3.25 

7\ gallons of water.) 

1 imperial bushel of Portland cement, weighing. 

99 lbs. 

1 ne 

1 imperial bushel of sand, weighing 103 lbs.| 

31 gallons of water.J 

1 imperial bushel of Portland cement. . . 

2 imperial bushels of sand.[-2.58 

5 J gallons of water. 

1 imperial bushel of Portland cement. . . 

3 imperial bushels of sand.[-3.42 

6f gallons of water. 

1 imperial bushel of Roman cement, weighing 72 

lbs.;.[-1.125 

9 \ gallons of water. 

Note:—The mortar produced weighed 106 lbs. 

1 imperial bushel of Roman cement.... 

1 imperial bushel of sand (103 lbs). [-1.764 

9£ gallons of water. 

Note:—The mortar weighed 196 lbs. 































AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


213 


Concrete produced 
in cubic feet 

1 imperial bushel of Portland cement.. 

1 imperial bushel of stone, broken small.I 

£ imperial bushel of sand. f ^ ^ 

41 gallons of water.J 

Lime and sand, and cement and sand lose about one-third of 
their bulk when made into mortar. 

Lime, or Portland cement, and sand require to mix into mortar 
about one-third of their bulk of water. 

Brick nogging requires— 

Per yard superficial, 45 stock bricks laid flat. 

Per yard superficial, 30 stock bricks on edge. 

Per yard superficial, f cubic foot mortar when flat. 

Per yard superficial, \ cubic foot mortar on edge. 


THE NUMBER OF BRICKS AND QUANTITY OF 3RICKW0RK 
IN WELLS AND CYLINDRICAL SEWERS FOR EACH FOOT 

IN DEPTH OR LENGTH 



Half Brick Thick 

One Brick Thick 


Number of Bricks 

Cubic Feet 

Number of Bricks 

Cubic Feet 


Laid 

Laid in 

of Brick- 

Laid 

Laid in 

of Brick- 


Dry 

Mortar 

work 

Dry 

Mortar 

work 

1.0 

28 

23 

1.6198 

70 

58 

4.1233 

1.3 

33 

27 

1.8145 

80 

66 

4.7124 

1.6 

38 

31 

2.2089 

90 

74 

5.3015 

1.9 

43 

35 

2.5035 

102 

82 

5.8905 

2.0 

48 

41 

2.7979 

112 

92 

6.4795 

2.3 

53 

44 

3.0926 

122 

100 

7.0686 

2.6 

58 

48 

3.3870 

132 

108 

7.6577 

3.0 

68 

57 

3.9760 

154 

126 

8.8357 

3.6 

79 

65 

4.5651 

174 

142 

10.0139 

4.0 

89 

73 

5.1541 

194 

159 

11.1919 

4.6 

100 

82 

5.7432 

214 

176 

12.3701 

5.0 

110 

90 

6.3322 

234 

192 

13.5481 

5.6 

120 

98 

6.9213 

254 

209 

14.7263 

6.0 

130 

107 

7.5103 

276 

226 

15.9043 

6.6 

140 

115 

8.0994 

296 

242 

17.0825 

7.0 

150 

123 

8.6884 

316 

260 

18.2605 

7.6 

160 

131 

9.2775 

336 

276 

19.4387 

8.0 

170 

140 

9.8665 

358 

292 

20.6167 

8.6 

180 

148 

10.4556 

378 

308 

21.7949 

9.0 

191 

156 

11.0446 

398 

326 

22.9729 

10.0 

212 

174 

12.2227 

438 

360 

25.3291 



























214 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


THE THICKNESS OF WALLS FOR DWELLING HOUSES— 

BRICK 

Maximum Height = 100 feet. 

Maximum Length. 


45 feet. 

80 feet. 

Unlimited. 

Inches 

Two stories of 21^ 
Three stories of 17§ 
Remainder. ... 13 

Inches 

Two stories of 26 
Two stories of 21^ 
Two stories of 17§ 
Remainder. ... 13 

Inches 

One story of 30 
Two stories of 26 
Two stories of 21^ 
Two stories of 17f 
Remainder. ... 13 


Maximum Height = 90 feet. 
Maximum Length. 


45 feet. 

70 feet. 

Unlimited. 

Inches 

Two stories of 21 \ 
Two stories of 17 \ 
Remainder. ... 13 

Inches 

One story of 26 
Two stories of 21^ 
Two stories of 17^ 
Remainder. ... 13 

Inches 

One story of 30 
Two stories of 26 
One story of 21 \ 
Two stories of 17§ 
Remainder. ... 13 


Maximum Height = 80 feet. 
Maximum Length. 


40 feet. 

60 feet. 

Unlimited. 

Inches 

One story of 21^ 
Two stories of 17J 
Remainder. ... 13 

Two stories 
Two stories 
Remainder. 

Inches 
of 2H 
of 17* 

. . . 13 

Inches 

One story of 26 
Two stories of 21^ 
Two stories of 17£ 
Remainder. ... 13 


Maximum Height = 70 feet. 
Maximum Length. 


40 feet. 

55 feet. 

Unlimited. 

Inches 

Two stories of 17^ 
Remainder. ... 13 

Inches 

One story of 21 £ 
Two stories of 17^ 
Remainder. ... 13 

Inches 

One story of 26 
Two stories of 21^ 
One story of 17^ 
Remainder. ... 13 






































AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


215 


Maximum Height = 60 feet. 
Maximum Length. 


30 feet. 

50 feet. 

Unlimited. 

Inches 

Inches 

Inches 

One story of 174 

Two stories of 17^ 

One story of 21J 

Remainder. ... 13 

Remainder. ... 13 

Two stories of 17 J 
Remainder. ... 13 


Maximum Height = 50 feet. 


Maximum Length. 

30 feet 

45 feet. 

Unlimited. 

Inches 

Wall below the 
topmost story 13 
Topmost story 8 ^ 
Remainder. ... 8 | 

Inches 

One story of 17^ 
Rest of wall below 
topmost story 13 
Topmost story 8 | 
Remainder. ... 85 

One story 
One story 
Remainder. 

• 

Inches 
of 2D 
of 17i 
... 13 


Maximum Height = 40 feet. 
Maximum Length. 


35 feet. 

Unlimited. 

Inches 

Wall below two topmost 

stories .13 

Two topmost stories of. . . . 8J 
Remainder. 8J 

Inches 

One story of.17J 

Rest of wall below topmost 

story.13 

Topmost story. 8| 

Remainder. 8| 


Maximum Height — 30 feet. 
Maximum Length. 


35 feet. 

Unlimited. 

Inches 

Wall below two topmost sto¬ 
ries . 13 

Inches 

Wall below topmost story. . 13 
Topmost storv. 8§ 

Two topmost stories. 8£ 

Remainder. 8J 

Remainder... 84 


Maximum Height = 25 feet. 
Maximum Length. 


30 feet. 

Unlimited. 

Inches 

Inches 

From base to top of wall. . . 8J 

Wall below topmost story. . 13 

Topmost story. 8| 

Remainder. 8| 















































216 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


THE THICKNESS OF WALLS FOR WAREHOUSES—BRICK 


Maximum 
Height 
in feet 

Maximum 
Length 
in feet 

Thickness 
at Base 
in inches 

Maximum 
Length 
in feet 

Thickness 
at Base 
in inches 

Maximum 
Length 
in feet 

Thickness 
at Base 
in inches 

100 

55 

26 

70 

30 


34 

90 

60 

26 

70 

30 


34 

80 

45 

21* 

60 

26 


30 

70 

30 

17* 

45 

21* 


26 

60 

35 

17* 

50 

21* 


26 

50 

40 

171 

70 

21* 

a> 3 

t-1 a 

26 

40 

30 

13 

60 

17* 

p 

21* 

30 

45 

13 

— 

— 


17* 

25 

— 

— 

— 

— 


13 


The thickness of the walls at the top for ware¬ 
houses, and for 16 feet below the top, shall = 13 inches; 
and the intermediate parts of the wall, between the 
base and such 16 feet below the top, to be solid 
throughout the space between straight lines drawn on 
each side of the wall from the base to the part 16 feet 
below the top, as above determined; but in walls not 
exceeding 30 feet in height, those of the topmost story 
may be 8* inches thick. 

The thickness to be increased to one-sixteenth part 
of the height of the story for dwelling houses, and to 
one-fourteenth part for warehouses, in case the thick¬ 
ness determined by the foregoing tables be less than 
that proportion. 

The width of the footings at the base to be double the 
thickness of the wall, to diminish in regular offsets, 
and to be equal in height to one-half of the width at 
base. 


















AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


217 


ROOFS GENERALLY 

SHINGLING 

To find the number of shingles required to cover 100 
square feet deduct 3 inches from the length, divide the 
remainder by 3, the result will be the exposed length 
o£ a shingle; multiplying this by the average width 
of a shingle, the product will be the exposed area. 
Dividing 14,400, the number of square inches in a 
square, by the exposed area of a shingle will give the 
number required to cover 100 square feet of roof. 

In estimating the number of shingles required, an 
allowance should always be made for waste. 

Estimates on cost of shingle roofs are usually given 
per 1,000 shingles. 

TABLE FOR ESTIMATING SHINGLES 


Length of 
Shingles 

Exposure to 
Weather 
Inches 

No. of sq. ft. of Roof Cov¬ 
ered by 1000 Shingles. 

No. of Shingles Required 
for 100 sq. feet of Roof. 

4 in. Wide 

6 in. Wide 

4 in. Wide 

6 in. Wide 

15 in. 

4 

111 

167 

900 

600 

18 

5 

139 

208 

720 

480 

21 

6 

167 

250 

600 

400 

24 

7 

194 

291 

514 

343 

27 

8 

222 

333 

450 

300 


SLATING 

A square of slate or slating is 100 superficial feet. 

In measuring, the width of eaves is allowed at the 
widest part. Hips, valleys and cuttings are to be 
measured lineal, and 6 inches extra is allowed. 

The thickness of slates required is from 3-16 to 5-16 
of an inch, and their weight varies when lapped from 
4.5 to 6f pounds per square foot. 

















HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


21S 

The “laps” of slates vary from 2 to 4 inches, the 
standard assumed to be 3 inches. 

TO COMPUTE THE NUMBER OF SLATES OF A GIVEN SIZE 

REQUIRED PER SQUARE 

Subtract 3 inches from the length of the slate, 
multiply the remainder by the width and divide by 2. 
Divide 14,400 by the number so found and the result 
will be the number of slates required. 


TABLE SHOWING NUMBER OF SLATES AND POUNDS OF NAILS 
REQUIRED TO COVER IOO SQUARE FEET OF ROOF 


Size of Slate 

Length of Exposure 

No. Required 

Nails Required 

14 in. 

X 

28 in. 

121 in. 

83 

.6 lbs. 

12 

X 

24 

101 

114 

.833 

11 

X 

22 

91 

138 

1 . 

10 

X 

20 

81 

165 

1.33 

9 

X 

18 

71 

214 

1.5 

8 

X 

16 

61 

277 

2. 

7 

X 

14 

51 

377 

2.66 

6 

X 

12 

41 

533 

3.8 


APPROXIMATE WEIGHT OF MATERIALS FOR ROOFS 

Average weight lb. 


Material per sq. ft. 

Corrugated galvanized iron No. 20, unboarded. 2\ 

Copper, 16 oz. standing seam. l| 

Felt and asphalt, without sheathing. 2 

Glass, | inch thick. . If 

Hemlock sheathing, 1 inch thick. 2 

Lead, about | inch thick. 6 to 8 

Lath-and-plaster ceiling (ordinary). 6 to 8 

Mackite, 1 inch thick, with plaster. 10 

Neponset roofing felt, 2 layers. 1 

Spruce sheathing, 1 inch thick. 21 

Slate, r 3 g inch thick, 3-inch double lap. 6f 

Slate, £ inch thick, 3-inch double lap. 4| 

Shingles, 6"X18", 1 to weather. 2 

Skylight of glass, to \ inch, including frame. 4 to 10 

Slag roof, 4-ply. 4 


























AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


219 


Average weight lb. 

Material per sq. ft. 

Terne plate, IC, without sheathing.. .. h 

Terne Plate, IX, without sheathing. § 

Tiles (plain), lO^'XhUXf" — 5T' to weather. 18 

Tiles (Spanish), 14T'X10|"— 7to weather. 8^ 

White-pine sheathing, 1 inch thick. 2% 

Yellow-pine sheathing, 1 inch thick. 4 

SNOW AND WIND LOADS 

Data in regard to snow and wind loads are neces¬ 
sary in connection with the design of roof trusses. 

Snow Load. —When the slope of a roof is over 12 
inches rise per foot of horizontal run, a snow and 
accidental load of 8 pounds per square foot is ample. 
When the slope is under 12 inches rise per foot of 
run, a snow and accidental load of 12 pounds per 
square foot should be used. The snow load acts ver¬ 
tically, and therefore should be added to the dead load 
in designing roof trusses. The snow load may be 
neglected when a high wind pressure has been consid¬ 
ered, as a great wind storm would very likely remove 
ail the snow from the roof. 

Wind Load. —The wind is considered as blowing in a 
horizontal direction, but the resulting pressure upon 
the roof is always taken ?iormal (at right angles) to the 
slope. The wind pressure against a vertical plane 
depends on the velocity of the wind, and, as ascer¬ 
tained by the United States Signal Service at Mount 
Washington, N. H., is as follows: 


Velocity 
(Mi. per Hr.) 

10. 

Pressure 
(Lb. per Sq. Ft.) 

. 0.4. 


20. 

. 1.6. 

.Stiff breeze. 

30. 

. 3.6. 


40. 

. 6.4. 

.High wind. 

50. 

.10.0. 

.Storm. 

60. 

.14.4. 

.Violent storm. 

80. 

.25.6. 

.Hurricane. 

100.. 

.40.0. 

























220 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


The wind pressure upon a cylindrical surface is one- 
half that upon a flat surface of the same height and 
width. 

Since the wind is considered as traveling in a hori¬ 
zontal direction, it is evident that the more nearly ver¬ 
tical the slope of the roof, the greater will be the 
pressure, and the more nearly horizontal the slope, 
the less will be the pressure. The following table 
gives the pressure exerted upon roofs of different 
slopes, by a wind pressure of 40 pounds per square 
foot on a vertical plane, which is equivalent in inten¬ 
sity to a violent hurricane. 


WIND PRESSURES ON ROOFS 


(Pounds per Square Foot) 


Rise 

In. per Foot of 
Run 

Angle with 
Horizontal 

Pitch 

Proportion of 
Rise to Span 

Wind Pressure 
Normal to Slope 

4 

18° 25' 

* 

16.8 

6 

26° 33' 

i 

23.7 

8 

33° 41' 

i 

29.1 

12 

45" 0' 

J 

36.1 

16 

53° 7' 

2 

3 

38.7 

18 

56° 20' 

i 

39.3 

24 

63° 27' 

i 

40.0 


In addition to wind and snow loads upon roofs, the 
weight of the principals or roof trusses, including the 
other features of the construction, should be figured in 
the estimate. For light roofs having a span of not 
over 50 feet, and not required to support any ceiling, 
the weight of the steel construction may be taken at 5 
pounds per square foot; for greater spans, 1 pound per 
square foot should be added for each 10 feet increase 
in the span. 











AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


221 


COMPARATIVE COST OF ROOFS 

It often happens that an estimator is asked as to the 
difference in the cost of roofs, and on his answer the 
construction of the work may depend; therefore it is 
necessary that he should be able to give his answer with 
some degree of intelligence and exactness; and the 
following, to some extent, will enable him to do this. 

For instance, take a “span roof,” by which we mean 
one having two sides inclining to a ridge, and let the 
length of the rafter be 16 feet, and that of the roof 
from edge to edge be 14 feet. 

Then it contains on each side a trifle over 7 squares 
of 100 superficial feet each. 

If the roof is to be slated or tinned it will require 
the sheathing to be laid close, and with what is called 
“match mill-planed timber,” which is provided with 
tongue and groove, and need not, as the name implies, 
be mill-planed, although it usually is. 

We next come to consider the cost of sheathing, 
nails, and labor required in putting it on, which, 
approximately, is as follows: 

PREPARING FOR SLATE OR TIN ROOF 
7 squares of roofing require 700 feet of sheathing 


at $20 per M.$14.00 

Labor required in putting same on, at 50 cents 

per square . 3.50 

Nails for fastening sheathing boards. 1.25 


Total cost .$18.75 


SLATE ROOF 

We find the cost of the slate roof to wit: 

For preparing for roof.$20.00 

For 7 squares of slating, including labor, material, 

etc., at $15 per square.105.00 


Total cost 


$125.00 











222 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


Thus it will be seen that the total cost of 7 squares 
of slating aggregates a cost of $125.00, or $17.85 per 
square. 

TIN ROOF 

Since the work of preparing for the tin roof is the 
same as for slate, we add to it the cost for tin and 
painting as follows: 

For preparing for roof.$18.00 

For 7 squares of tin work at 75 cents per square, 

including material and labor. 60.00 

For 78 yards of paint, 2-coat work, at 20 cents 

per yard. . ... 15.60 

Total cost.$93.60 

At these figures we find that 7 squares of tin rocfing 
will cost $98.60, or a trifle over $14.00 per square. 

SHINGLE ROOF 

In estimating the amount of sheathing required for 
a shingle roof, we bear in mind the fact that it will not 
be necessary to lay boards close together; but strips 3 
inches wide can be used, and if so, it will require about 
one-half of the amount it does when laid close, as for 
the slate or tin roof. Hence the following is the approxi¬ 


mate estimate of cost. 

300 feet of sheathing at $15.00 per M.$ 4.50 

Labor required in putting same on. 1.50 

Nails for sheathing, etc.60 

7,000 shingles, nails and labor at $8 per square. .. 56.00 

Total cost.$62.60 


Thus the cost of 7 squares of shingling will aggregate 
$62.60, or a trifle over $8.15 per square. 























AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


223 


COMPOSITION ROOF 

Now suppose that the slope of the roof permitted 
the surface to be covered with gravel or composition 
roofing, then the sheathing need not be laid as care¬ 
fully as for tin or slate, and an inferior quality of lum¬ 
ber can be used; the only requirements being that the 
surface must be level and smooth. 

In such a case the estimate of cost would be as 
follows: 


700 feet of sheathing at $20.00 per M.$14.00 

Putting on same at 40 cents per square. 3.45 

Nails for sheathing, etc. 1.25 

7 squares roofing material, etc., $5 per square.... 35.00 

Total cost.$53.60 


Making the cost of 7 squares amount to $53.60, or a 
trifle over $7.63 per square. 

*Slate on iron purlins.$2.00 to $7.00 per sq. 

Metal tile, tin. 8.50 to 9.75 per sq. 

Metal tile, steel, lead-coated.10.75 to 13.75 per sq. 

Rubber roofing. 2.00 to 3.75 per sq. 

Felt and gravel. 6.50 per sq. 

Ornamental tile.40.00 to 60.00 per M. 

Tile shingles.21.00 to 35.00 per M. 

Charcoal tin plates, I.C., 14X20 ins. . 6.00 to 6.50 per box of 112. 
Charcoal tin plates, I.C., 20 X28 ins.. 12.00 to 13.00 per box of 112, 
Charcoal tin plates, I.X., 14x20 ins. . 7.50 to 8.50 per box of 112. 
Charcoal tin plates, I.X., 20X28 ins. .15.00 to 17.00 per box of 112. 

Coke plates, tin, I.C., 14X20 ins.5.50 perboxofll2. 

Coke plates, tin, I.C., 20X28 ins . . . .11.50 to 12.00 per box of 112. 

Coke plates, tin, I.X., 14x20 ins. . . . 7.50 per box of 112. 

Charcoal plate, terne, I.C., 14X20 ins 5.50 per box of 112. 

Charcoal plate, terne, I.C., 20X28 ins 10.75 to 11.00 per box of 112. 
Charcoal plate, terne, I.X., 14X20 ins. 6.40 per box of 112. 

Charcoal plate, terne, I.X., 20x28 ins. 12.80 per box of 112. 

*Add to these prices 15 per cent, but where possible obtain 
local prices. 















224 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


FLAT SEAM TIN ROOFING 


Table showing quantity of 14" x 20" tin required to cover a 
given number of square feet with flat seam tin roofing. A sheet 
of 14" x 20" with edges measures, when edged or folded, 13" x 19" 
or 247 square inches. In the following, all fractional parts of a 
sheet are counted a full sheet. 


n & 

O a; 

0 ) 

u_, ** 

O © 

° © 

<v 

n © 

“ © 

© .£3 

of 

ieet 

Sheets 

required 

o% 

M £ 

u. 

<V 

O . 

© 3 
^3 o* 

CO © 

O 

55 o' 

© 3 
.C C 

m © 

>-t 

6 

Sz o 

^ CO 

© 3 

a g. 
m 5 

o ; 
sz ^ 

6'~ 

a> p 

A a 
in £ 

u 

100 

59 

280 

164 

460 

269 

640 

374 

820 

479 

no 

65 

290 

170 

470 

275 

650 

379 

830 

484 

120 

70 

300 

175 

480 

280 

660 

385 

840 

490 

130 

76 

310 

181 

490 

286 

670 

391 

850 

496 

140 

82 

320 

187 

500 

292 

680 

397 

860 

502 

150 

88 

330 

193 

510 

298 

690 

403 

870 

508 

160 

94 

340 

199 

520 

304 

700 

409 

880 

514 

170 

100 

350 

205 

530 

309 

710 

414 

890 

519 

180 

105 

360 

210 

540 

315 

720 

420 

900 

525 

190 

111 

370 

216 

550 

321 

730 

426 

910 

531 

200 

117 

380 

222 

560 

327 

740 

432 

920 

537 

210 

123 

390 

228 

570 

333 

750 

438 

930 

543 

220 

129 

400 

234 

580 

339 

760 

444 

940 

549 

230 

135 

410 

240 

590 

344 

770 

449 

950 

554 

240 

140 

420 

245 

600 

350 

780 

455 

960 

560 

250 

146 

430 

251 

610 

356 

790 

461 

970 

566 

260 

152 

440 

257 

620 

362 

800 

467 

980 

572 

270 

158 

450 

263 

630 

368 

810 

473 

990 

578 


1000 square feet 583 sheets. 

A box of 112 sheets 14"X20" will cover approximately 192 
square feet. 


STANDING SEAM TIN ROOFING 

Table showing quantity of 20"X28" tin required to cover a 
given number of square feet with standing seam roofing. The 
standing seams and the locks on a steep roof require 2 f" off the 
width and f" off the length of the sheet; fractional parts are 
counted as a full sheet. A sheet will cover 475 square inches. 

























AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


22 5 


No. of 
sq. feet 

Sheets 

required 

No. of 

sq.feet 

Sheets 

required 

No. of 

sq. feet 

Sheets 

required 

No. of 

sq. feet 

Sheets 

required 

No. of 

sq. feet 

Sheets 

required 

100 

31 

280 

85 

460 

140 

640 

194 

820 

249 

110 

34 

290 

88 

470 

143 

650 

197 

830 

252 

120 

37 

300 

91 

480 

147 

660 

200 

840 

255 

130 

40 

310 

94 

490 

149 

670 

203 

850 

258 

140 

43 

320 

97 

500 

152 

680 

206 

860 

261 

150 

46 

330 

100 

510 

158 

690 

209 

870 

264 

160 

49 

340 

103 

520 

161 

700 

212 

880 

267 

170 

52 

350 

106 

530 

164 

710 

215 

890 

270 

180 

55 

360 

109 

540 

167 

720 

218 

900 

273 

190 

58 

370 

112 

550 

170 

730 

221 

910 

276 

200 

61 

380 

115 

560 

173 

740 

224 

920 

279 

210 

64 

390 

118 

570 

176 

750 

228 

930 

282 

220 

67 

400 

122 

580 

182 

760 

231 

940 

285 

230 

70 

410 

125 

590 

184 

770 

234 

950 

288 

240 

73 

420 

128 

600 

185 

780 

237 

960 

291 

250 

76 

430 

131 

610 

185 

790 

240 

970 

294 

260 

79 

440 

134 

620 

188 

800 

243 

980 

297 

270 

82 

450 

137 

630 

191 

810 

246 

990 

300 


1000 square feet 303 sheets. 

A full box 112 sheets 20"X28 // will cover approximately 370 
square feet. 


It must be understood that the figures given in the 
foregoing are not considered as being correct or suited 
to all localities; they may be taken as approximately 
exact, but in all cases the percentage of difference in 
cost may be taken as fairly correct, and R is this result 
for which the tables were prepared. 






















HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


SPECIFIC GRAVITY AND WEIGHTS 


BUILDING MATERIALS 


Name of Material 

Brick, pressed. 

Brick, common. 

Cement, Portland. 

Cement, Rosedale. 

Common brickwork, cement mortar 
Common brickwork, lime mortar . 

Concrete cement. 

Earth, dry, shaken. 

Earth, rammed. 

Glass, window. 

Granite. 

Granite or limestone, rubble work. 
Granite or limestone, well dressed . 

Limestones and marbles . 

Lime, Quick. 

Mortar, hardened. 

Plaster of paris. 

Pressed brickwork. 

Sand. 

Sandstone. 

Shales. 

Slate. 

Trap Rock. 


Weight per 
Cu. ft. lb. 

Specific 

Gravity 

150 

2.40 

125 

2.00 

80 to 100 

1.44 

56 

.89 

130 

2.10 

120 

1.90 

140 

2.25 

82 to 92 

1.36 

90 to 100 

1.52 

157 

2.52 

170 

2.72 

138 

2.21 

165 

2.65 

168 

2.70 

53 

.85 

103 

1.65 

141.6 

2.27 

140 

2.25 

90 to 106 

2.65 

151 

2.41 

162 

2.60 

175 

2.80 

187 

3.00 


WOODS 

(dry) 



Name of Material 

Weight 
Per ft. Bm. 

Weight per 
Cu. ft. lb. 

Specific 

Gravity 

Ash. 

3.9 

47 

.752 

Ash, American, white. 

3.2 

38 

.610 

Boxwood . 

5. 

60 

.960 

Cherry. 

3.5 

42 

.672 

Chestnut. 

3.4 

41 

.660 

Cork. 

1.3 

15 

.250 



























AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


227 


Elm. 


35 

.560 

Ebony. 


76.1 

1.220 

Hemlock. 


25 

.400 

Hickory. 


53 

.850 

Lignum Vitse. 


83 

1.330 

Mahogany, Spanish . . . . 

4.4 

53 

.850 

Mahogany, Honduras. . . 

2.9 

35 

.560 

Maple. 

4.1 

49 

.790 

Oak, live. 

4.9 

59.3 

.950 

Oak, white. 

4.0 

48 

.770 

Oak, red. 

3.2 

40 

.640 

Pine, white. 

2.1 

25 

.400 

Pine, yellow. 

2.8 

34.3 

.550 

Pine, southern. 

3.7 

45 

.720 

Sycamore. 

3.1 

37 

.590 

Spruce . 

2.1 

25 

.400 

Walnut. 

3.2 

38 

.610 

The estimated weight 

of logs is 

one-half 

more than 

the estimated weight of 

the green 

lumber of the same 


kind of wood. 


THE METRIC SYSTEM 

The metric system is based on the meter, which, 
according to the United States Coast and Geodetic 
Survey Report of 1884, is equal to 39.370432 inches. 
The value commonly used is 39.37 inches, and is 
authorized by the United States government. The 
meter is defined as one ten-millionth the distance 
from the pole to the equator, measured on a meridian 
passing near Paris. 

There are three principal units: the meter, the liter 
(pronounced lee-ter), and the gram, the units of length, 
capacity and weight, respectively. Multiples of these 
units are obtained by prefixing to the names of the 
principal units the Greek words Deca (10), hecto (100), 
and kilo (1,000); the submultiples, or divisions, are 



















228 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


obtained by prefixing the Latin words Deci (1/10), 
centi (1/100), and milli (1/1000). These prefixes form 
the key to the entire system. In the following tables 
the abbreviations of the principal units of these sub¬ 
multiples begin with a small letter, while those of 
the multiples begin with a capital letter; they should 
always be written as here printed. 


MEASURES OF LENGTH 


Name 

Millimeter (mm.) 
Centimeter (cm.) 
Decimeter (dm.) 
Meter (m.) 
Decameter (Dm.) 
Hectometer (Hm.) 
Kilometer (Km.) 
Myriameter (Mm.) 


Meters 

.001 

= .010 

= .100 

1.000 
10.000 

=_, 100.000 
= 1,000.000 
= 10,000.000 


U. S. In. 
.039370 
.393704 
= 3.937043 

= 39.370432 


= . .621 mi. 

= 6.214 mi. 


Feet 

.003281 

.032809 

.328087 

3.380869 

32.808690 

328.086900 

3,280.869000 

32,808.690000 


The centimeter, meter and kilometer are the units in 
practical use, and may be said to occupy the same 
position in the metric system as do inches, yards and 
miles in the United States and English system of 


measurement. 





MEASURES OF AREA 



Name 

Sq. Met. Sq. In. 

Sq. Ft. 

Acres 

Sq. millimeter (mm. 2 ) = 

.0000010= .001550= 



Sq. centimeter (cm. 2 ) = 

.0001000= .155003 = 

.00107641 


Sq. decimeter (dm. 2 ) = 

.0100000= 15.5003 = 

.10764100 


Sq. meter or centare 




(m. 2 or ca.) = 

1.0000000= 1,550.03 

10.76410000= 

.000241 

Sq. decameter or are 




(Dm. 2 or A.) = 

100.0000000=155,003 

1,076.4101 

.024710 

Hectare =10,000.0000000= = 107,641.01 

2.47110 

Sq. kilometer = 

.3861099 sq. mi. =10,764,101 = 

247.110 

Sq. myriameter = 

38.6109000 sq. mi. = 

=24,711.0 


MEASURES OF VOLUME 


Name 

Cu. Met. Cu. In. 

Cu. Ft. 

Cu. Yd. 

Cu. centimeter (cm. 3 ) 

= .000001 = .061025 



Cu. decimeter (dm. 3 ) 

= .001000 = 61.0254 



Centistere 

= .010000 = 610.2540 

= .35316 


Decistere 

= .100000 

= 3.53156 


Stere[=cu. m. (m. 3 )] 

= 1.000000 

= 35.3156 

= 1.308 

Decastere 

= 10.000000 

= 353.156 

= 13.080 



AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


229 


CURRENT MEASURES 


LINEAL MEASURE 


12 inches (in.) 



3 feet. 



5.5 yards .... 


. .rd. 

40 rods. 



8 furlongs . . 



In. 

Ft. Yd. Rd. Fur. 

Mi 

36 = 

3 = 


198 = 

16.5= 5.5= 1 


7,920 = 

660 = 220 = 40 = 1 


63,360 = 

5,280 = 1,760 = 320 = 8 = 

1 

Other units of 

measure are: 


5 feet 

equal 1 pace. 


feet 

equal 1 military pace. 


6 feet 

equal 1 fathom. 


9 inches equal 1 span. 


18 inches equal 1 cubit. 



4 inches equal 1 hand (to measure horses). 

21.8 inches equal 1 Bible cubit. 

surveyor’s MEASURE 

.= 1 link ..li. 

.= 1 rod.rd. 

1 chain ch. 

.= 1 mile.mi. 

= 80 ch. = 320 rd. = 8,000 li. = 63,360 in. 

SQUARE MEASURE 

144 square inches (sq. in.) . = 1 square foot . . .sq. ft. 

9 square feet.=1 square yard. . .sq. yd. 

30^ square yards.=1 square rod. . . .sq. rd. 

160 square rods.=1 acre.A. 

640 acres.=1 square mile. . .sq. mi. 

Sq. mi. A. Sq. rd. Sq. yd. Sq. ft. Sq. in. 

1 = 640 = 102,400 = 3,097,600 = 27,878,400 = 4,014,489,600 


7.92 inches. 
25 links. . 

4 rods: ) 

100 links [ = 
66 feet: 1 
80 chains 
1 mi. = 


























230 HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 

surveyor’s square measure 

625 square links (sq. li.). = 1 square rod. . . .sq. rd. 

16 square rods.= 1 square chain, .sq. ch. 

10 square chains.=1 acre.. . . A. 

640 acres.=1 square mile. . .sq. mi. 

36 sq miles (6 mi. square) . . = 1 township.Tp. 

1 sq. mi. = 640 A. = 6,400 sq. ch = 102,400 sq. rd. = 64,000,000 
sq. li. 

The acre contains 4,840 square yards, or 43,560 
square feet, and in form of a square is 208.71 feet on a 
side. 


THE WEAR AND TEAR OF BUILDING MATERIALS 



Frame 

dwelling 

Brick dwelling 
(shingle roof) 

Frame store 

Brick store 
(shingle roof) 

Material in 
Building 

Average life 
Years 

Per cent of 
depreciation 
per annum 

Average life 
Years 

Per cent of 
depreciation 
per annum 

Average life 
Years 

Per cent of 
depreciation 
per annum 

Average life 
Years 

Per cent of 
depreciation 

per annum 

Brick . 

— 

— 

75 

H 

— 

— 

66 

H 

Plastering. 

20 

5 

30 

31 

16 

6 

30 

31 

Painting, outside 

5 

20 

7 

14 

5 

20 

6 

16 

Painting, inside 

7 

14 

7 

14 

5 

20 

6 

16 

Shingles. 

16 

6 

16 

6 

16 

6 

16 

6 

Cornice. 

40 

21 

40 

21 

30 

31 

40 

21 

Weather bo’ding 

30 

31 

— 


30 

31 

— 


Sheathing. 

50 

2 

50 

2 

40 

21 

50 

2 

Flooring. 

20 

5 

20 

5 

13 

8 

13 

8 

Doors, complete. 

30 

31 

30 

31 

25 

4 

30 

31 

Windows, comp. 

30 

31 

30 

31 

25 

4 

30 

31 

Stairs and newel 

30 

31 

30 

31 

20 

5 

20 

5 

Base. 

40 

21 

40 

21 

30 

31 

30 

31 

Inside blinds .. . 

30 

31 

30 

31 

30 

31 

30 

31 

Building h’dware 

20 

5 

20 

5 

13 

8 

13 

8 

Piazzas &porches 
Outside blinds . . 
Sills and first- 

20 

5 

20 

5 

20 

5 

20 

5 

16 

6 

16 

6 

16 

6 

16 

6 

floor joints . . . 

25 

4 

40 

21 

25 

4 

30 

31 

Dimension lumbr 

50 

2 

75 

H 

40 

21 

66 

H 


These figures represent the averages deduced from 
the replies made by eighty-three competent builders 
unconnected with fire-insurance companies, in twenty- 
seven cities and towns of eleven Western States. 












































AND CONTRACTORS GUIDE 


231 


HOW TO FIGURE PLASTERING 

Multiply the distance around the four sides of the 
room in feet by the height of the room in feet. Mul¬ 
tiply the product by the price per square yard and 
divide this product by 9, because there are 9 square 
feet in a square yard. For the ceiling, multiply the 
length of the room by the width of the room in feet 
and then by the price per square yard, and divide by 9 
as before. Add these two results and you have the 
entire cost of plastering the room. 

To every barrel of lime estimate about § of a cubic 
yard of good sand for plastering. 

One-third of a barrel of stucco will hard finish 100 
square yards of plastering. 

Six bushels of lime, 40 cubic feet of sand and l\ 
bushels of hair will plaster 100 square yards with two 
coats of mortar. 

In plastering, no deductions are made for openings, 
because it is considered that the extra work in finish¬ 
ing around them balances the material saved. 

WEIGHTS OF PACIFIC COAST LUMBER 


Lbs. per M. 

Oregon Fir, 1 inch, rough. 2,200 

Washington Red Cedar, 1 inch, rough. 2,300 

Washington Red Cedar. 1 inch, dressed. 2,000 

California Sugar Pine, 1 inch, rough. 2,200 

California Redwood, 1 to 2 inch, rough. 2,500 

California Redwood, 1 to 2 inch, SIS. 2,200 

California Redwood, 1 to 2 inch S2S. 2,000 

Cedar Shingles, * A *.. 200 

STANDARD WEIGHTS OF CYPRESS LUMBER 

Lbs. per M. 

Lumber, rough, 2 inches and under. 3,000 

Lumber, rough, 2\ and 3 inches.. 3,500 

£-inch Flooring and Ceiling. 2,300 













2 32 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 




Lbs. per M. 


f-inch Ceiling. 1,600 

J-inch Ceiling. 1,300 

f-inch Ceiling. 1,000 

|-inch Bevel Siding. 1,000 

Shingles, all grades. 300 

f-inch Plaster Lath. 500 

f-inch Fence Lath. 900 

l£xl£x4D. & H. Pickets. 1,600 

f x 2| x 4 D. & H. Pickets. 1,800 

2- inch O. G. Battens. 500 

2§-inch O. G. Battens. 600 

3- inch O. G. Battens. 700 


ESTIMATED WEIGHTS OF WHITE PINE 


Timbers, rough 

Lumber, rough. 

Lumber, dressed . . . 
Lumber, D. & M. . . 

Battens, O. G. 

Siding and f Ceiling 

Shingles. 

Lath. 


Lbs. per M. Feet 

Green 

Dry 

3,250 

2,500 

3,000 

2,400 

2,500 

2,000 

2,400 

1,800 

1,900 

1,500 

1,250 

800 

450 

250 

950 

500 


ESTIMATED WEIGHTS OF NORWAY PINE 

Lbs. per M. Feet 
Green Dry 

Timbers, rough . . . .;. 3,500 2,750 

Lumber, rough. 3,250 2,650 

Lumber, dressed. 2,900 2,300 

Lumber, D. & M. 2,600 2,000 

These weights are taken from reports issued by the 
Argicultural Department of the United States. 


ESTIMATING FRAME OR BALLOON BUILDINGS 

In estimating the cost of labor necessary to convert 
rough lumber into available building material, the esti¬ 
mator should divide the labor as follows: 































AND CONTRACTORS GUIDE 


233 


First, ascertain the cost of framing sills, joist, studs, 
rafters, and like dimension stuff on the ground ready 
to go into the building. 

Second, estimate the cost of placing it on the build¬ 
ing, or into the work. Siding, roof boards, sheathing, 
furring and flooring requires no primary labor to pre¬ 
pare it for the building; and, therefore, this class of 
material calls for the price of labor only to put it on 
the building. 

The simplest method to estimate the labor of fram¬ 
ing dimension or piece stuff, as scantling of all kinds, 
is by the thousand feet. A general rule adopted by me 
after a long experience and considerable investigation, 
is to add the entire bill of dimension stuff together, 
and price it for medium work at $5.00 per thousand for 
the labor of framing on the ground, and $6.00 per thou¬ 
sand for labor of working it into the building. We base 
our rule on the following demonstrations: 

Two good carpenters will lay out and frame 50 pieces 
of 2x10 joists, 16 feet long, in a day of 9 hours, or 
about 1,350 feet; or they will frame 100 pieces of 2 x 6 
studding 12 feet long, in a day, or 1,200 feet; or they 
will frame 70 pieces of 2x6, 16 feet long, for rafters, 
in a day, or 1,120 feet; or they will frame 14 pieces 
of 8x8 sills, 16 feet long, or 1,190 feet. Calling car¬ 
penters’ wages at $5.00 per day, we find that the 
framing of 


Joist, 1,350 feet, cost.$11.00 

Studding, 1,200 feet, cost. 11.00 

Rafters, 1,120 feet, cost. 11.00 

Sills, 1,190 feet, cost. 11-00 


Averaging the above, we find the price to be about 
$6.00 per 1,000 feet. 






234 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


For siding, roof boards, sheathing and flooring, the 
price may be fixed as on the following basis: 

Two good carpenters will put on 800 feet of lap siding 
in a day, or 1,600 feet of roof boards per day; staging 
not included. Calling wages at $5.00 per day, we find 
that to put on 

Siding, costs $8.00 per 1,000 feet. 

Eoof boards, cost $9.00 per 1,000 feet. 

Sheathing, costs $5.00 per 1,000 feet. 

One good man will lay 900 feet of 1x6 matched 
flooring in a day, or 700 feet of 1 x 4 matched flooring 
in a day. At the same rate of wages the 1x6 floor 
will cost $6.00 per 1,000 feet to lay, and the 1x4 floor 
will cost $6.00 per 1,000 feet to lay. 

A good man will carry up and lay on a roof from 
1,600 to 2,400 shingles per day, which estimated at the 
same rate of wages and averaged, is $2.00 per 1,000. 

Two men will put on 2,000 feet of felt paper per day, 
which being reduced from the same rate of wages, 
makes it cost 35 cents per square of 100 feet. 

Two men will lay 500 to 600 feet of outside beaded 
ceiling work per day, or say $13.00 per 1,000 feet. 

A man will put down 200 feet of plain base per day, 
or 100 feet of moulded base. 

A man will fit and nail 400 pieces of bridging per 
day, or 1 cent each. 

Returning again to dimension stuff, as joists, studs, 
rafters, sills, etc., we find that two good men will place 
50 pieces of 2x10 joists, 16 feet long, in a day, or 150 
pieces of 2x6 studs, 12 feet long, in a day, or 100 
pieces 2x6 rafters, 16 feet long, in a day, or 20 pieces of 
8x8 sills in a day. 

For the labor necessary to place material on a building, 


AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


235 

some builders estimate labor by the square, as follows: 
Wages $5.00 per day. 

Drop siding, $1.00 a square. 

Lap siding, 90 cents a square. 

Sheathing, 30 cents a square. 

Surface boards, 35 cents a square. 

Eoof boards, plain, 35 cents a square. 

Hip roofs, $1.00 a square. 

Steep roofs, $1.05 a square. 

Shingles, $1.20 to $1.50 a square. 

Floor pine, 1x6, 45 cents to $1.00 a square. 

Floor pine, 1x4, 45 cents to $1.00 a square. 

Floor pine, 1x3, $1.00 to $1.75 a square. 

Outside wall ceiling, $1.25 a square. 

Soffit ceiling, $1.25 a square. 

Wainscoting, from $3.00 to $4.00 a square. 

Cleaning off pine floor, from 25 cents to $1.10 a square. 

Tin work, valleys 14 inches wide, a man will lay 
from 1 to If square feet of valleys per day. 

In closing this series of tables upon one of the most 
vital subjects connected with the building profession, 
I desire to call attention to the fact that the manner 
of taking out quantities in the United States is some¬ 
what different from that of Europe, and especially 
that of England, where the rules and methods con¬ 
nected with this particular branch of building are 
settled and well defined. In the embryonic state of 
our building practice, we have no universal or general 
methods of drawing off quantities, excepting what has 
come out of necessty. 

The time will doubtless come when we shall have a 
universal method that shall not only be thoroughly 
established by practice, but indorsed by the various 
building Irades and architectural associations through¬ 
out the entire country, so that a mechanic, having 


236 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


become conversant with the rules and methods of New 
York, will not be called upon to study and make him¬ 
self familiar with the rules and methods practiced in 
St. Louis or Chicago. 

Large cities, by virtue of the facility for organization 
in the several branches of the building trades, are 
^enabled to establish rules of measurement that govern 
their individual membership, but cannot control the 
conduct of other trades; hence, upon examination, it 
will be found that the rules of measurement for 
masonry in New York City vary from the rules in use 
in Cincinnati, Chicago and other large cities. 

I am aware that the primary rules of mensura¬ 
tion, that is, the method of measuring any given sur¬ 
face or body, is, governed by certain algebraic and 
mathematical calculations, which may be used by any 
one when he has mastered the proper method of 
procedure, and it is to illustrate and make plain this 
method that this book is written not only from a prac¬ 
tical standpoint but from an American builder’s view 
of the methods best adapted to the business interests 
of the builder. 

Another somewhat different method than the fore¬ 
going is given herewith; it is taken from a trade jour¬ 
nal of reliability, and possesses considerable merit. 
The system is all right, but the prices given are not to 
be followed, as they are much too low, not being 
within 40 to 50 per cent as high as current prices in 
the larger cities. This is especially arranged for bal¬ 
loon frame. 

The first is an analysis of cost of four squares outside 
walls. For convenience, suppose a space 20 x 20 feet 
as a basis, resulting in 400 square feet, or 4 squares. 
The studding employed is 2x4 inch, sized on one 







AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


237 


side and one edge. The studding is placed 16 inches 
from centers and covered with dressed and matched 
stuff. Building paper is next laid on, and then first 
or second clear siding is used. Plates are included in 
the cost and are put on double thickness. 


ANALYSIS OF OUTSIDE WALLS 


19 pieces, 2x4 inch, 20 feet long = 247 feet, at 

$14.50 per M. 

466 feet dressed and matched stuff, at $17.50. . .. 

475 feet siding, at $21. 

11 pounds nails. 

30 pounds paper, at 2| cents per pound. 

Framing and putting in place 247 feet of scantling, 

at $8 per M. 

Laying 4 squares of flooring, at 50 cents per square 
Laying 4 squares of siding, at $1.12| per square. . 
Laying 4 squares, at 12^ cents per square. 


$3.58 

8.16 

9.97 
.40 
.75 

1.98 
2.00 
4.50 

.50 


Total 


$31.84 


Dividing this sum by 4 gives the price of a single 
square, $7.96. 

The analysis of cost of 4 squares of roofing, the 
rafters being 2 = 4 inch scantling, set 2 feet between 
centers, covered with dressed and matched stuff, and 
the best quality of cedar shingles, laid 4^ inches to the 
weather, is as follows: 


* ANALYSIS OF ROOF WORK 


12 scantlings, 2x4 inch, 20 feet long = 156 feet, 

at $14.50 per M. 

466 feet matched stuff, at $17.50 per M. 

3^ M shingles, at $2.75 per M. 

14 pounds 3d. nails. 

10 pounds 8d. and lOd. nails. 

Framing and putting in place 156 feet 2x4 

scantling, at $8 per M. 

4 squares of roof boarding, at 50 cents per square. . 

4 squares of shingling, at $1.'25 per square. 

Staging. 


$2.26 

8.16 

9.17 

.63 

.30 

1.25 

2.00 

5.00 

.63 


Total...$29.40 

*Add to these tables from 40 to 50 per cent. (1913.) 






















238 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


This sum, in turn, divided by 4 gives as the cost of 
a single square, $7.35. 

The following is an analysis of cost of 4 squares of 
flooring, laid on joists 2x8 inches, the flooring being 
selected from No. 1 boarding, and the joists being 
placed 16 inches between centers. Allowance is made 
for doubling where necessary. 


ANALYSIS OF FLOORING 


* 


17 joists, 2x8 inch, 20 feet long = 459 feet, at 

$14.50 per M. 

466 feet of flooring, at $17.50 per M. 

15 feet of 1 x 2 inch bridging, at 2 cents. 

10 pounds of 8d. common nails. 

3 pounds of spikes. 

Laying 4 squares of flooring, at 50 cents per square 

Framing 459 feet of joists, at $5 per square. 

Bridging. 


$6.65 

8.15 

.30 

.30 

.08 

2.00 

2.30 

.50 


Total.$20.28 

Dividing this amount by 4, as in the previous cases, 
gives $5.07 as the cost of 1 square of flooring. 

The following is an analysis of the cost of an inside 
door, 2 feet 8 inches by 6 feet 10 inches, If inches 
thick, cased and finished complete except the one item 
of painting: 


ANALYSIS OF COST OF DOOR 

* Frame, 2 set casings and stops. $2.00 

18 feet of moulding, at inches..28 

1 threshold, hardwood.15 

1 first quality door, size as given above. 1.95 

3§-inch morticed lock, bronze face, bolts and strik¬ 
ing plate.63 

Porcelain knobs, plated roses and escutcheons.40 

1 pair of 3^-inch japan butts and screws.25 

Setting frame.25 

Casing up, 2 sides.40 

Putting down threshold.15 

Moulding, 1 side.20 

Fitting, hanging and trimming door.75 

Total. $7.42 

*Add to these tables from 40 to 50 per cent. 























AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


239 


The following is an analysis of cost of a 4-light win¬ 
dow, with sash 14 x 30 inches, 1$ inches thick, check- 
rail, the window set, cased and finished complete. 

ANALYSIS OF COST OF WINDOW 


* Window frame prepared for weights. $2.15 

Sash glazed. 2.10 

20 feet 2|-inch moulding.30 

25 feet inside case and window sill.75 

28 pounds of sash weights.56 

Sash cord.18 

Grounds for plastering and putting on.30 

Setting frame.25 

Casing up. .55 

Fitting sash.15 

Nails.10 

Sash lock.25 

Putting on sash lock.10 


Total. $7.64 


Add to the foregoing not less than 40 per cent, but 
it is better in all cases that local prices of material and 
labor be embodied in the analysis. 

ESTIMATING FOR OUTSIDE DOOR AND WINDOW FRAMES 

For ordinary buildings, either wood or brick, the 
following prices, which are for labor only, will be 
found to be as nearly correct as possible where local 
conditions are unknown. For simply making the 
frames, setting same, hanging sashes, doors, blinds, 
etc., the number that can be made, hung, or set in a 
day of nine hours, is given, as well as the price which 
will enable the estimator to tell approximately the 
cost of any number of frames either in place or out. 

















240 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


No. of Pieces in Price for 
Day’s Work Each 


* Making plane frames for weights. 3 $1.00 

Setting frames in wall. 14 .22 

Hanging outside blinds. 10 .30 

Hanging inside blinds, 50c. to $1.00. . . 5 .60 

Fitting sash per window. 18 .18 

Hanging sash, trimming, locks and lifts. 14 .23 

Casing. 10 .30 

Putting on stops. 35 .09 

Band moulding. 25 .12 

Fitting stool. 13 .24 

Fitting apron. 25 .12 


Total. $3.40 


Fitting and hanging doors on outside frames, trim¬ 
ming with 4-inch loose pine, joint hinges, mortise lock, 
bronze or plated rose, hardwood knob, night latch, 
and all complete, three hinges to the door, door 
lf-inch thick, pine, to complete $1.95. If two hinges, 
and lf-inch door, $1.50. If hardwood, add 15 per 
cent. 

If frames are bought at the factory all ready made, 
no blinds to hang, no band mouldings to plant, then 
the cost for setting, hanging, casing complete on one 
side, doors or windows, will be $1.25. 

The average quantity of material required to make 
frames for common houses, running measure, allowing 
for waste and joints on the basis of a 2-light window, 
with glass 24 x 36 inches, and a door measuring 2 feet 
8 inches by 6 feet 8 inches, is given in the following 
table, which covers all the items required to complete 
common frames: 

Feet 

Window jambs and heads, with drip on sill. 18 

Door jambs and heads. 18 

Outside casing, window. 18 

Outside casing, door. 19 

Inside casing, window, with apron. 20 

Inside casing, door, each side. 18 























AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


241 


About the same number of feet in length will be 
required for mouldings and stops. 

TABLE FOR ESTIMATING NAILS 

1000 shingles require 31 pounds 4d. nails. 

1000 lath require 6| pounds 3d. nails. 

1000 feet of beveled siding require 18 pounds 6d. nails. 

1000 feet of sheeting requires 20 pounds 8d. nails. 

1000 feet of sheeting requires 25 pounds lOd. nails. 

1000 feet of flooring requires 30 pounds 8d. nails. 

1000 feet of flooring requires 35 pounds lOd. nails. 

1000 feet of studding requires 14 pounds lOd. nails. 

1000 feet of studding requires 10 pounds 20d. nails. 

1000 feet of furring, 1x2, requires 10 pounds lOd. nails. 

1000 feet of £ finish requires 30 pounds of 8d. nails. 

1000 feet of 1| finish requires 40 pounds lOd. finish nails. 

The following table shows the name, length and 
number of nails to the pound of the different sizes: 


NUMBER OF NAILS TO THE POUND 


Name 

Length 

No. to a pound 

3d fine. 

.1 

inch .... 

. 1150 

3d common.... 


inch. 

. 720 

4d common.... 

.If 

inch . . . . , 

. 432 

5d common.... 

. ..11 to If 

inch. 

. 352 

6d finish. 

.2 

inch. 

. 350 

6d common.... 

.2 

inch. 

. 252 

7d common.... 


inch . . . . , 

. 192 

8d finish. 

01 

inch. 

. 190 

8d common.... 

. 2b 

inch. 

. 132 

9d common.... 

.2f 

inch. 

. 110 

lOd finish. 

.3 

inch. 

. 137 

lOd common.... 

.3 

inch. 

. 87 

12d common.... 

. 31 

inch. 

. 66 

20d common.... 

.3f 

inch. 

. 35 

30d common.... 

.4 

inch. 

. 27 

40d common.... 

. 41 

inch. 

. 21 

50d common.... 

. H 

inch. 

. 15 




































242 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 




painters’ measurements 

In England the custom is to employ a clerk quick at 
figures, whose duty it is to take off, from tne plans 
and specifications, an accurate list of all the materials 
and labor required in the performance of the work, 
setting down in each case the number of yards or feet, 
as the case may be, of each item. In the case of 
painting, the figures obtained for the carpenter and 
joiner prove of service also for the work to be done by 
the painter. The following is a table that is intended 
to indicate the method of measurement of painters’ 
work, and also the order in which the various items 
may be taken. A similar table added to, or changed, 
as might be necessary to suit American methods of 
construction, would be very useful to have on hand 
when getting out estimates, as it would insure nothing 
being left out. The table which follows accurately 
indicates the English practice. 

Lead, in oil on white work, at——per yard super. 

« “ cement u “ “ 11 u 

Ornamental railings, etc., “ “ “ 11 


Skylights, 


u 

tt 

it 

(( 

Skirtings, 12-in. 

girth 

and under, 

at— 

- per 

foot run. 

Strings, “ 

<< 

U 

U 

(i 

u tt 

Chair rails, “ 

tt 

U 

U 

U 

tt i tt 

Hand “ “ 

tt 

u 

a 

tt 

tt tt 

Balusters, “ 

tt 


it 

tt 

tt tt 

Newels, “ 

tt 


a 

it 

tt tt 

Rain pipes, “ 

tt 


tt 

u 

tt tt 

Ornamental heads 


it 


number. 

Ears, 



it 


a 

Shoes, 



tt 


u 

Eaves, gutter 



tt 


foot run. 

Stopped ends, 



tt 


number. 

Outlets, 



tt 


U 

Swan necks, 



it 


u 










AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


243 


Cement reveals (jambs) 

at 

foot run. 

Cornices under — girth, 

u 

tt 

Window sills, “ 

11 

tt 

Coping edge, “ 

tt 

u 

Stone strings, “ 

tt 

u 

Stone plinths, “ 

It 

u 

Iron castings, “ 

tt 

tt 

Grate bars, “ 

tt 

u 

Sash squares, 

tt 

dozen. 

Sash frames, 

tt 

number. 

Small “ 

tt 

U 

Two-light casement frames, 

a 

(( 

Four “ “ “ 

tt 

(( 

Sash squares, 

a 

dozen. 

Brackets, 

a 

number. 

Finials, 

a 

tt 

Step ladders, 

a 

tt 

Dressers, 

a 

tt 

Chimney pieces, 

a 

»< 

Four oils and extra finished varnish, 

gray, 

a 

Yard super. 

Grainer; extra grain for wainscot and 

twice varnish, 

u 

t> a 

Grainer; extra grain enrichment for 

brackets 4 in. wide, 

u 

foot run. 

Stainer; stain to an approved tint 
and twice varnish with the best 

copal varnish, 

a 

foot super. 

French polisher; French polishing, 

u 

U (C 

French polishing to hand rails, 

(( 

foot run. 

Gilder; gilding on flat surface, 

u 

foot super. 

Gilder on carved work, stating height 

and description, 

ii 

foot run, 

Moulded work, stating girth, 

u 

tt tt 

Boards, etc., 

a 

it A 

Carved caps, 

a 

it 

Brasses and simple items of a similar 

nature, 

a 

r tt 


244 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


TO FIND THE NUMBER OF SINGLE ROLLS OF PAPER 
NEEDED FOR ANY GIVEN ROOM. 

To find the number of single rolls required for a 
wall, multiply the distance around the room by the 
height, taking out 20 square feet for each opening, 
and divide by 30. To find the number of rolls for the 
ceiling, multiply the length by the width and divide 
by 30. The number of yards of border required can 
easily be measured. 

For example, room 12 x 14, 10 feet high, two doors 
and three windows: 


Length, two walls, 14 feet each. 28 feet 

Width, two walls, 12 feet each. 24 “ 

52 “ 

Multiply by height. 10 “ 


520 “ 

Less five openings, allowing 20 sq. ft. for each . .100 “ 

Divided by number of sq. ft. in a roll.30)420(14 rolls 

required 

30 


120 

120 

To find the quantity of border required, divide 
length around the room, 52 feet, by 3, equal to about 
18 yards. 

The price of border is for a single strip, the width of 
the border and one yard long. 

The price of the paper is for a single roll, one-haif 
yard wide and eight yards long. Allowing for all 
waste, this will cover 30 square feet. 

The following table will be useful to the estimator: 









CD | 
CO 

CO 

£ 

Hi 

t~ 

4« 

GO 

o> 

«P* 

3 

4c* 

o 

rH 

4* 

rH 

CM 

rH 

4« 

CO 

rH 

IO 

rH 

f 4M 

3 

GO 

TP 

CM 

8 


tn 

IO 

CO 

4® 

IO 

Hr* 

co 

4t 

l> 

00 

wp* 

00 

4« 

3 

4t 

O 

rH 

rH 

rH 

«+« 

rH 

4® 

CO 

rH 

4m 

TP 

rH 

3 

rH 

Hi 

t- 

rH 

ftjao 

CO 

Cl 

3 

CM 


0 oi 

• cci 

ft 

«4 

iO 

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246 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


CONCLUSION 

In conclusion I would suggest the following simple 
method of keeping a record of cubic contents and 
cost, and would say that the information an architect 
has of this kind from his own buildings is the best for 
him, as it is probable that no other architect is quite 
similar in his style of work and finish. 

A book or a number of sheets of paper should be 
ruled in suitable widths for the following columns: 1st, 
date (year); 2d, name of building (for owner); 3d, 
where erected; 4th, short description; 5th, cubical 
contents in feet; 6th, cost of building; 7th, cost per 
cubic foot; 8th, remarks. The kinds of buildings 
should be classified so that prices of one class may be 
seen and compared at a glance in one column. An 
example is here shown. 


Date 

Name 

Where 

Built 

Description 

Cubic 

Feet 

Cost 
$ c. 

Cts. 
per 
c. ft. 

Remarks 










































In computing the cubical contents the rule most 
commonly used is to measure the building as a whole 
or in parts from the bottom of the footings to a point 
halfway up the slope of roof, this being done in parts 
where there are different heights of roofs, towers, etc. 
In measuring brick or stone buildings, light wooden 
porticos or verandas are usually omitted. There 
should be a uniform system of omitting or including 
such items as heating, mantels, grates and tiles, elec¬ 
tric wiring, or of noting two rates, one omitting and 
the other including these. 





























AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


247 


Indeed, an exact record of the cost of all buildings 
the contractor may erect, should be kept, and any¬ 
thing peculiar or uncommon or unusual should be 
noted, that in the future the knowledge obtained in 
this manner may be put to good purpose. 

In this work I have described several schemes for 
estimating and have given my views as to their 
respective merits, and the more I have examined into 
the question of estimating, the more I am confirmed in 
the views expressed in the first pages of the work, 
namely, that “no exact methods of estimating can be 
given,” and that the best and most reliable way is to 
estimate in detail. All other methods have certain 
good points, but, as a rule, they lack reliability, a 
quality the young contractor does not want to be up 
against; so it is better he should follow the safer, if 
more laborious way of figuring on every item going 
into the building he is about to tender for. A cele¬ 
brated artist once explained that his success as a 
painter arose from his following the rule, “First know 
what you want to do, and then do it.” So here, 
before anything can be done, it is necessary for care¬ 
ful plans to be made to show what is wanted, and 
these plans should be carefully studied and every item 
shown in them or described in the specifications should 
be noted. 

Trusting my efforts will prove useful to the young 
and progressive workman who has a desire to become 
a contractor, and that they will aid and assist him in 
bettering himself, and with this hope in view I close 
<;his volume. 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR AND CONTRACTOR’S 

GUIDE. 


The student will be expected to read carefully these 
papers before doing any work. His name and address 
will require to be given on each paper. He will be ex¬ 
pected to write up the questions in a neat and intelligent 
manner, using his own language and style, representing 
the answers in such a manner as will be intelligible— 
make all drawings as clear as possible, and wherever it 
can be done render them in India ink. Let each answer 
be original, do not copy either from the instruction paper 
nor from any other source. The paper used may be of 
any kind provided that it is clean and durable. Do not 
attempt an answer until you have thoroughly grasped 
the subject. 

OUESTIONS. 

1. What are the three important things that are to be 
considered in the pricing of all items in making up cor¬ 
rect estimates for builders’ contracts? 

2 . Besides the three important things that enter into 
the consideration of all prices, mention three contingen¬ 
cies that may arise that would considerably affect the 
prices. 

3 . Concerning the question of profit that the contrac¬ 
tors should have when estimating, mention the least 
percentage that should be charged, and method of doing 
so, 


248 













AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


249 


4 . Upon what should the profit be higher when esti¬ 
mating on certain jobs than others, and give the least 
percentage that should be charged on work costing up 
to $ 2 , 500 . 

5 . Mention some of the reasons why the larger con¬ 
tractor can do work at cheaper rates than the smaller 
contractor, and to what should the smaller contractor 
resort in order to protect himself from loss. 

6 . Mention the certain fixed charges or provisions in 
making up contracts that must not be overlooked, and 
what should be done with such charges along with the 
percentage of profit. 

7 . Give another very important question that should 
be considered and that enters largely into the cost of 
certain kinds of work that may be included in the esti¬ 
mate. 

8 . Give a description of the different kinds of dis¬ 
counts that are to be taken in consideration in the pricing 
of the several items included in the estimate. 

9 . What should the estimator do in order that he may 
know that he has not omitted anything that should have 
been taken into consideration in framing his estimate. 

10 . Mention the several things that should be con¬ 
sidered and ascertained as near as possible in the first 
place in the pricing of any contract. 

11 . Give detailed descriptions of the five different 
methods of estimating, and the characteristic feature of 
four of these methods employed, and that of the fifth 
method. 

12 . In order to ascertain the method of estimating by 
taking out accurately quantities of materials from the 
plans, what branch of mathematics should the estimator 
have a fair knowledge of? 


250 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


13. Besides taking the greatest care in abstracting the 
quantities from the plans, what document should have 
most careful consideration in every particular during 
the process? 

14. Give the fundamental problem in the measuring of 
superfices, by the process of which the contents of many 
other figures may be readily obtained of a somewhat 
similar character. 

15. Give the rule whereby to find the area of a four¬ 
sided figure, whether it be a parallelogram, square, rhom¬ 
bus or rhomboid, and give examples of finding the area 
of each of these four figures. 

16. Give rule how to find the area of a triangle. 

17. Give the rule how to find the area of a triangle 
from the length of its sides, and the example of finding 
the area of a triangle whose sides are 134, 108 and 80 
rods. 

18. Give rule how to find the hypothenuse of a right- 
angled triangle, when the base and perpendicular are 
known. 

19. Give the rule how to find the area of a trapezium. 

20. Give the rule how to find the area of a trapezoid. 

21. Give the rule how to find the area of a regular 
polygon or any regular figure. 

22. Give the rule how to find the area of an irregular 
polygon. 

23. Give the rule how to find the area of a long 
irregular figure, bounded on one side by a straight line. 

24. Give the rule how to find the circumference of a 
circle when the diameter is given, and example of finding 
the circumference of a circle whose diameter is 40 feet. 

25. Give rule how to find the area of a circle when 
the diameter and circumference are both known, and 


AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


251 


example of finding the number of square inches :n a 
piston whose diameter is i2 l />. inches. 

26. Give rule how to find the length of an arc of a 
circle when either the number of degrees which it con¬ 
tains, or the radius, chord, and height are given. 

27. What is the length of an arc of 40 degrees in a 
circle whose radius is 12 feet? 

28. What is the length of an arc whose chord is 120, 
and whose height is 45 ? 

29. Give rule how to find the side of a square in¬ 
scribed in a circle, from its circumference or diameter. 

30. Give rule how to find the area of a sector of a 
circle. 

31. Give rule how to find the area of the segment of 
a circle. 

32. Give rule how to find the area of a lune or cres¬ 
cent, and example illustrating same: The chord of two 
segments is 72, and the height of the greater segment is 
30 and of the lesser 20, what is the area of the crescent? 

33. Give rule how to find the area of a circular zone, 
and example illustrating same. 

34. Give the three rules how to find the area of a ring 
included between the circumference of two concentric 
circles. 

35. Give rule how to find the area of an ellipse, and 
give example illustrating same: What is the area of an 
ellipse whose longer axis is 70 feet, and whose shorter is 
50 feet? 

36. Give rule how to find the circumference of an 
ellipse, and give example illustrating same: What is the 
circumference of an ellipse whose transverse and conju¬ 
gate axes are 16 and 18 feet? 


252 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


37. Give rule how to find the area of an elliptic seg¬ 
ment cut off by a line perpendicular to either axis, and 
give example illustrating same: The height of an elliptic 
segment is 10, and the axes 25 and 35 respectively, what 
is the area? 

38. Give rule how to find the area of a parabola, and 
example illustrating same: What is the area of a para¬ 
bola, whose base is 26 inches, and height 18 inches. 

39. Give rule how to find the area of a frustum of a 
parabola, cut off by a line drawn parallel to the base, and 
example illustrating same: What is the area of a frus¬ 
tum of a parabola, whose height is 12 feet, and its upper 
end 12 feet, and its base 20 feet? 

40. Give rule how to find the area of a hyperbola, and 
example illustrating same: What is the area of a hyper¬ 
bola whose transverse diameter is 80, and conjugate 50, 
and whose abscissa is 45? 

41. Give a definition of the term “mensuration of sol¬ 
ids,” and into how many parts divided, also what is meant 
by the “measure” of a solid body and the “measuring 
unit.” 

42. Give the definition of a “cube.” 

43. Give the definition of a “parallelopiped.” 

44. Give the definition of a “prism.” 

45. Give the definition of a “pyramid.” 

46. Give the definition of a “frustum or trunk.” 

47. Give the definition of a “wedge.” 

48. Give the definition of a “prismoid.” 

49. Give the rule how to find the lateral surface of a 
prism, and solution of the following example: Required, 
the lateral surface of a prism whose base is a regular 
hexagon, and whose sides are each 2 feet 3 inches, the 
height being n feet. 


AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


253 


50. Give the rule how to find the solidity of a cube 
or right prism, and solution of the following example: 
Required, the number of ale gallons there are in a cistern 
which is 6 feet 8 inches deep, and whose base is 5 feet 4 
inches square. 

51. What is the solidity of a “prism” of granite, 9 
feet 2 inches long, and 16 by 12 inches side dimension, 
and what will be its weight, reckoning 169 lbs. to the 
cubic foot ? 

52. Give rule how to find the lateral surface of a 
regular pyramid, and solution of the following example: 
What is the lateral surface of a regular triangular pyra¬ 
mid whose slant is 20 feet, and the sides of whose base 
are each 8 feet ? 

53. Give the rule how to find the lateral surface of 
the frustum of a regular pyramid, and solution of the 
following example: What is the lateral surface of. the 
frustum of a regular octagonal pyramid whose slant 
height is 42 feet and the sides of the lower base 5 feet 
each, and of the upper base 3 feet each ? 

54. Give the rule how to find the solidity of a pyramid, 
and solution of the following example: What is the 
solidity of a square pyramid the sides of whose base are 
each 30 feet and its perpendicular height 25 feet? 

55. Give the rule how to find the solidity of the frus¬ 
tum of a pyramid, and solution of the following example: 
What is the cubic or solid contents of the 
frustum of a marble pyramid whose lower base is 20 
inches square and upper base 14 inches and whose height 
is 8 feet 4 inches? And what is its weight, reckoning 169 
lbs. to the cubic foot? 

56. Give the rule how to find the solidity of a wedge, 
and solution of the following example: Required, the 


254 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


solidity of a wedge whose base is 27 feet, one edge 8 feet 
and the other edge 36 feet and the perpendicular height 
22 feet. 

57. Give rule how to find the solidity of a rectangular 
prismoid, and solution of the following example: What 
is the solidity of a rectangular prismoid the length and 
breadth of one end being 14 by 12 inches and the other 
6 by 4 inches and the perpendicular 30 feet 6 inches ? 

58. Give the definition of what is meant by a “cylin¬ 
der.” 

59. Give the definition of what is meant by a “cone.” 

60. Give the definition of what is meant by a “frus¬ 
tum” of a cone. 

61. Give the definition of what is meant by a “conoid.” 

62. Give the definition of what is meant by a “spher¬ 
oid.” 

63. Give the definition of what is meant by a “sphere.” 

64. Give the definition of what is meant by a “radius” 
of a sphere. 

65. Give the definition of what is meant by the “diam¬ 
eter” of a sphere. 

66. Give the definition of what is meant by a “seg¬ 
ment” of a sphere. 

67. Give the definition of what is meant by a “zone.” 

68. Give the definition of what is meant by a “cylindri¬ 
cal ring.” 

69. Give the definition of what is meant by a “para¬ 
bola.” 

70. Give the definition of what is meant by a “hyper¬ 
bola.” 

71. Give the definition of what is meant by the “trans¬ 
verse axis” in an ellipse. 



AND CONTRACTOR'S GUIDE 


255 


72. Give the definition of what is meant by “the conju¬ 
gate axis” in an ellipse. 

73- Give the definition of what is meant by an “ab¬ 
scissa.” 

74. Give the definition of what is meant by the “focus.” 

75 * Give the rule how to find the convex surface of a 
cylinder, and solution of the following example: What 
is the convex surface of a right cylinder whose length is 
23 feet, and the diameter of its base 3 feet? 

76. Give the rule how to find the solidity of a cylinder, 
and solution of the following example: What is the 
solidity of a cylinder the diameter of whose base is 16 
feet and its height 28 feet? 

77* Give the rule how to find the convex surface of a 
cone, and solution of the following example: The diam¬ 
eter of the base of a right cone is 3 feet and the slant 
height is 15 feet, what is the convex surface? 

78. Give the rule how to find the solidity of a cone, 
and solution of the following example: What is the 
solidity of a right cone whose perpendicular height is 
iof/2 feet and the circumference of the base is 9 feet ? 

79. Give the rule how to find the surface of a frustum 
of a cone, and solution of the following example: What 
is the convex surface of the frustum of a cone, the cir¬ 
cumference of the greater base being 30 feet and of the 
smaller 10 feet, the slant height being 20 feet? 

80. Give the rule how to find the solidity of the frus¬ 
tum of a cone, and solution of the following example: 
How many gallons of ale are contained in a cistern in 
the form of a conic frustum, if the larger diameter be 9 
feet and the smaller diameter 7 feet and the depth 9 
feet? 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


256 

81. Give the rule how to find the surface of a sphere 
or globe, and solution of the following example: What 
is the surface of a sphere whose diameter is 7 feet? 

82. Give the rule how to find the convex surface of 
a spherical zone or segment, and solution of the follow¬ 
ing example: If the axis of a sphere be 42 inches, what 
is the convex surface of a segment or zone whose height 
is 9 inches? 

83. Give the rule how to find the solidity of a sphere 
or globe, and solution of the following example: What 
is the solidity of a globe whose diameter is 12 inches? 

84. Give the rule how to find the solidity of a spherical 
segment, and solution of the following example: What 
is the solidity of the segment of a sphere whose height 
is 8 feet and the diameter of whose base is 14 feet? 

85. Give the rule how to find the solidity of a spheroid, 
and solution of the following example: What is the 
solidity of an oblong spheroid, whose longer axis is 30 
and the shorter 20? 

86. Give the rule how to find the solidity of a para¬ 
bolic conoid, and solution of the following example: 
What is the solidity of a parabolic conoid whose height 
is 60 and the diameter of its base 100 inches? 

87. Give the rule how to find the solidity of a frustum 
of a paraboloid, and solution of the following example: 
What is the solidity of the frustum of a paraboloid whose 
bottom diameter is 54, upper diameter 28 and height 18 
inches ? 

88. Give the rule how to find the solidity of a parabolic 
spindle, and solution of the following example: Re¬ 
quired, the solidity of a parabolic spindle whose length 
is 100 and diameter 40. 


AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


257 


89. Give the rule how to find the solidity of the middle 
frustum of a parabolic spindle, and solution of the fol¬ 
lowing example: What is the solidity of the frustum of 
a parabolic spindle whose length is 60, greatest diameter 
40, and least diameter 30 inches ? 

90. Give the rule how to find the solidity of a hyper¬ 
boloid, and solution of the following example: What is 
the solidity of a hyperboloid whose base is 40 inches and 
height 30 inches and whose middle diameter is 30 inches ? 

91. Give the rule how to find the solidity of the frus¬ 
tum of a hyperbolic conoid, and solution of the following 
example: Required the solidity of the frustum of a 
hyperbola whose semi-diameters are 20 inches and 10 
inches, the middle diameter 30 inches and whose height is 
20 inches. 

92. Give the rule how to find the convex surface of a 
cylindrical ring, and solution of the following example: 
The thickness of a cylindrical ring is 4 inches and the 
inner diameter is 14 inches; required, the convex surface. 

93. Give the rule how to find the solidity of a cylindri¬ 
cal ring, and solution of the following example: Re¬ 
quired, the solidity of an anchor ring whose inner diam¬ 
eter is 8 inches and thickness in metal 3 inches. 

94. Give description what should be done by the esti¬ 
mator in the first place before pricing the items for ex¬ 
cavating for trenches, drainage, etc. 

95. Give description of the different kinds of footings 
and what is to be taken into consideration in the prepara¬ 
tion of prices for same. 

96. Give description of what should be done by the 
estimator in estimating “rough quantities” from the draw¬ 
ings and specifications. 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


258 

97. Give description of what should be done by the 
estimator in using the method of “estimating by the 
square.” 

98. Give an “analysis of outside walls” in estimating 
for a balloon frame building by the method of “squaring.” 

99. Give an “analysis of roof work” in estimating for 
a balloon frame building by the method of “squaring.” 

100. Give an analysis of cost of four squares of floor¬ 
ing, laid on joists 2x8 inches, the flooring being selected 
from No. 1 fencing, and the joists being placed 16 inches 
from centers. Allowance is made for doubling where 
necessary. 

101. Give analysis of the cost of an inside door, 2 feet 
8 inches by 6 feet 10 inches, 1^$ inches thick, cased 

and finished complete except the one item of painting. 

% 

102. Give analysis of cost of a four-light window, with 
sash 14x30 inches, inches thick, check rail, the win¬ 
dow set, cased and finished complete. 

103. Give a description of “estimating by units of 
accommodation” such buildings as churches, schools, 
prisons, hospitals, asylums, stables, and buildings of a 
similar kind. 

104. Give description of the method of “estimating by 
cubing” and several examples of the cost per cubic foot 
in estimating the cost of different kinds of buildings. 

105. Give exceptional cases where the method “of 
estimating by cubing” would not be satisfactory. 

106. Give the reasons why in certain cases the method 
of “estimating by cubing” cannot be relied on. 

107. Give an example of the “cost of framing rafters” 
and details as to the time and kind of material employed 
in building. 









AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


2 59 


108. Give description of the method of obtaining the 
cost of “Lookouts for Hip Roofs.” 

109. Give description of how to find the area of a plain 
gable roof. 

no. Give description of how to find the entire outside 
measurement of “Hip Roofs.” 

in. Give description of how to find the outside meas¬ 
urement of a “Hip Roof with Deck.” 

112. Give description of how to find the cost of shin¬ 
gling roofs, and the number of shingles that will cover a 
square, provided they are 4^ inches, 5 inches, 5*4 inches, 
and 6 inches to one another respectively. 

113. Give description of how to find the cost of a tin 
roof, including material and time laying. 

114. Give description of how to find the cost of tin 
valleys for shingle roofs, including material and time 
laying. 

115. Give description of how to find the cost of slate 
roofs, and rule to find the number of slates required to 
cover one square. 

116. Give description of how to find the amount of 
material in a given cornice for a square roof, including 
the soffit, frieze and fascia. 

117. Give description how to find the cost of cornice 
brackets, soft wood, all well worked, put on building of 


the following 

dimensions and kinds: 



• 

Perpendicular 

Hor’l 

Thick¬ 

Cost 

Cost 

Size. 

Size. 

ness. 

plain. 

moulded. 

16 inches. 

12 inches. 

2*4 inches. 



20 inches. 

16 inches. 

3 inches. 



28 inches. 

24 inches. 

5 inches. 



30 inches. 

28 inches. 

6 inches. 


1 


26 o 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


118. Give description how to find the cost of hard¬ 
wood flooring. 

119. Give description how to find the cost of wainscot¬ 
ing 2*4 to 3 feet high, beaded, with ordinary capping, 
including dressing after putting up. 

120. Give description how to find the cost of base¬ 
boards put up before and after plastering, including put¬ 
ting on grounds. 

121. Give description of how to find the cost of 
“stairs” and detail what is meant by “the wall string,” 
“the face string,” “the tread,” “the riser,” “the newel 
post,” “the handrail,” and “the balusters.” 

122. Give approximate cost of what a cherry or black 
walnut newel post 5 inches diameter with cap, would be. 

123. Give approximate cost of what an octagon cherry 
or black walnut newel post with ornamental cap 8 inches, 
would be. 

124. Give approximate cost of what walnut or cherry 
turned balusters from 2 feet 4 inches to 3 feet high and 
i l /i inches diameter, also what same 2 and 2*4 inches 
thick respectively would be. 

125. Give approximate cost of what walnut or cherry 
rails 3J4 inches, 4 inches, 4*4 inches, 5 inches, per lineal 
foot respectively would be. 

126. Give cost of raised back rails, walnut or cherry, 
4 inch, 5 inch, 5J4 inch, and 6 inch per lineal foot re¬ 
spectively. 

127. Give a description of how to find the price of 
doors, including the setting of frames and hanging and 
finishing. 

128. Give description of how to find the price of 
“moulding door casings.” 

129. Give description of how to find the cost of “com- 









AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 


261 


mon sliding doors” and some with “segment top,” in¬ 
cluding setting, hanging and trimming. 

130. Give description of how to find the cost of “fold¬ 
ing doors,” also those with “segment tops,” including 
fitting, hanging and trimming. 

131. Give cost of outside common door frames with 
casings on one side for doors 2 feet 6 inches by 6 feet 6 
inches to 2 feet 8 inches by 6 feet 8 inches, and the same 
for inside doors with casing on both sides. 

132. Give the cost of door trimmings, namely butts 3x3 
inches, a common mortise or rim lock with brown knob, 
a good mortise lock with brown or white knobs, brass key, 
face and bolt, also outside door locks. 

133. Give details of how to price windows with their 
finishings. 

134. Give description of the amount of work that can 
be done by a man in fitting up pantries and closets. 

135. Give the cost per lineal foot that “porches” may 
be erected of a simple construction, and how it may be 
obtained from drawings and specifications. 

136. Give the cost of the different kinds of “Blinds” 
and description of same. 

137. Give details of how to find the cost of different 
kinds of plaster work, on ceilings and walls, also on cor¬ 
nices, mouldings and ornaments, and how same may be 
obtained by a table of “time and material” required. 

138. Give description how to measure “painter’s work,” 
also “time and material” method in obtaining the cost of 
outside and inside work done bv the painter. 

139. Give description of how to find the cost of “stone 
work” done by mason, and the “time and material” 
method of obtaining same. 

140. Give description of how to find the cost of “Brick 


262 


HODGSON’S ESTIMATOR 


Work” by measuring same, also illustrative table showing 
the cost of furnishing and laying 1,500 brick, or one day’s 
work. 

141. Give description how to obtain the cost of common 
flues and ordinary chimneys, also large chimneys with 
fireplaces, done with brickwork. 

142. Give description of how to find the cost of fittings 
for plumber work of bath-rooms and closets—and men¬ 
tion the average prices of each of the articles required. 

143. Give the description of how to measure from the 
drawings, the “Excavator and Bricklayer works,” 
“Slater,” “Carpenter,” “Plumber,” “Mason,” “Joiner 
and Hardware,” “Plasterer,” “Glazier,” “Painter” and 
“Paperhanger.” 

144. Give description of how “Masonry” is measured. 
(1) By the Quarryman’s measurements. (2) By the 
Mason’s measurements. 

145. Give description of how to find the number of 
shingles required to cover the exposed area of a roof. 

146. Give details of how to find the “comparative cost 
of roofs,” namely, for “Slate Roof,” “Tin Roof,” “Shingle 
Roof” and “Composition Roof.” 

147. Give description of how to find cost of four 
square outside walls of balloon frame building by “Anal¬ 
ysis of Outside Walls.” 

148. Give description of how to find cost of roof, by 
“Analysis of Roof Work.” 

149. Give a description by analysis of how to find the 
cost of 4 squares of flooring, laid on joists 2 inches by 9 
inches, the flooring being selected from No. 1 boarding, 
and the joists placed 16 inches between centers. Allow¬ 
ance is made for doubling where necessary. 

150. Give a description by analysis of how to find the 


AND CONTRACTOR’S GUIDE 263 

cost of an inside door 2 feet 8 inches by 6 feet 10 inches 
1 }i inches thick, cased and finished complete, except the 
one item of painting, also how to find the cost of a 4- 
light window, with sash 14x30 inches, 1^$ inches thick, 
checkrail, the window set, cased and finished complete. 




v 


INDEX 


4 PAGE 

Arches. 22 

Areas. 35 

Areas of triangles. 39 

Average rates of wages per hour. 84 

A few things worth knowing. . . 99 

A good excavator. 100 

Air-tight joints. 109 

Average wage table. 119 

Analysis of outside walls. 121 

Analysis of roof-work. 121 

Analysis of flooring. 122 

Analysis of cost of doors. 122 

Analysis of cost of windows ... 123 

Approximate cost. 124 

Area of roofs. 145 

Analysis of outside walls.237 

Analysis of roof-work. 237 

Analysis of flooring. 238 

Analysis of door-work. 238 

Analysis of window-work. 239 

B 

Builder’s offices. 13 

Builder’s prices. 14 

Bridging. 23 

Branch drains. 107 

Balloon framing. 140 

Base-boards. 156 

Balusters. 157 

Blinds. 162 

Brick and stone work. 163 

Brick-work labor and material. 165 

Bedding slate. 196 

Bangor slate. 199 

Brownsville slate. 200 

Black roofing slate. 200 

Brick and stone masonry.209 

Building materials—weights... 226 


C 


Catalogues. 13 

Competition. . 16 


I AGE 


Classification. 18 

Cellar water-closet. 21 

Cupboards, etc. 21 

Cubing system. 27 

Correct measurement. 35 

Chords of circles. 48 

Circumferences of circles. 49 

Cubes and other figures. 67 

Cylinder, cone, and sphere. 71 

Cone and conoid. 71 

Cone sections. 74 

Cylindrical rings. 81 

Capacity of casks. 83 

Clay, its weight. 85 

Cost of labor in various cities.. . 86 

Carting away material. 87 

Concrete for foundation and pav¬ 
ing . 88 

Concret e for floors and roofs... 88 

Cement joints. 108 

Cast iron pipes. 109 

Cost of laying weeping tiles. ... 110 
Cost of mortar and other mate¬ 
rials . 112 

Concrete footings . 113 

Cost changing. 114 

Cost of rooms. 125 

Cost of asylums. 125 

Cost of churches. 125 

Cost of stables. 125 

Cost of theaters, etc. 125 

Cubic feet estimating stables.. . 131 
Cost of tearing down buildings. 133 
Cost of exhibition buildings. .. . 135 

Cost of parks in cities. 135 

Cost of parks in country towns. 135 

Cost of balloon framing. 141 

Common rafters. x44 

Cost of framing rafters. 144 

Cost per square of slates. i50 

Cornices. 153 

Cornice mouldings. 154 

Cornice brackets. 154 


264 










































































INDEX 


PAGE 

Cornice tables. 154 

Common door frames. 159 

Chimneys. 165 

Cost of painting. 170 

Cost of plastering. 171 

Cost of graining. 171 

Carpenter. 205 

Comparative cost of roofs. 221 

Composition roof. 223 

Current measures. 229 

Conclusion. 246 

D 

Different methods of estimating. 27 

Dimensions. 27 

Drains, etc. 30 

Definitions of Surfaces. 36 

Decimals. 37 

Definitions of Solids. 66 

Discounts. 74 

Digging trenches. 75 

Drains generally. 106 

Doors. 158 

Door trimmings. 160 

Doors, folding. 159 

Doors, sliding. 159 

Door frames. 159 

E 

Estimating by cubic foot. 28 

Estimating roughly. 29 

Estimating by the square. 29 

Estimating by units. 32 

Estimating by items. 33 

Ellipses, ovals and portions.... 46 

Examples of use of tables. 58 

Earths, weight of, where exca¬ 
vated . 85 

Excavating. 85 

Earth and clay . 85 

Excavating for drainage, foot¬ 
ings and trenches. 90 

Equipments of slopes. 100 

Estimating by the square. 120 

Estimating by unit of accommo¬ 
dation . 123 

Estimating by cubing. 126 

Estimating stables. 131 

Estimating stores. 134 

Estimating sheds. 134 


265 

PAGE 


Estimating flats. 134 

Estimating water f owers. 134 

Estimating model cottages. 134 

Estimating parks. 134 

Estimating exhibition buildings. 135 

Estimating hotel buildings. 136 

Estimating detail quantities. . . 138 

Estimating wood-work. 138 

Enrichments in plaster. 175 

External plastering in Portland 

cement . 182 

Excavator and bricklayer.204 

Excavations.210 

Estimated weights of white pine. 232 
Estimated weights of Norway 

pine. 232 

Estimating frame of balloon 

buildings.233 

Estimating for outside door and 

window frames. 239 

Estimating nails. 241 

F 

Framing wooden house. 24 

Framing roof. 24 

Finish generally. 25 

Foui-sided figures of all kinds.. 36 

Foundations of concrete. 88 

Filling and ramming. 92 

Framing for trenches. 96 

Flushing of pipes and drains. . . 106 

Foundation footings. 110 

Footings in stone, concrete and 

brick. Ill 

Flashings . 147 

Floors. 154 

Folding doors. 159 

French polishing. 169 

Fancy tiles. 188 

Fixing tiles. 190 

Fees. 206 

Flat seam tin roofing.224 

Form of bookkeeping.246 

Final remarks. 247 

G 

Gauging. 81 

Gutters and spouts. 147 

Graining and varnishing. 169 

Gauging with plaster . 173 















































































266 


INDEX 


PAGE 


Gauge for slating. 101 

Green roofing slate. 200 

Glazier. 206 

H 

Height of ceilings. 22 

Hardwood floors. 21 

H a drail, oak or mahogany... . 23 

Hanging sliding doors. 23 

Half timbered buildings. 24 

Hall sewing room. 25 

Halyards. 26 

Hardwood stairs. 26 

Hyperbolas. 55 

Hyperboloids and conoids. 79 

Hip rafters. 142 

Hiproofs. 145 

Hip roofs with deck. 146 

Hip tiles. 191 

1 

Introductory. 9 

Itemizing. 20 

Itemizing quantities. 29 

Increased volume of earth. 100 

Illustrated foundation. Ill 

J 

Jack rafters. 143 

Joists. 143 

Jersey tiles. 190 

Joiner. 205 

K 

Kitchen. 22 

Knotting. 167 

Keene’s cement. 176 

L 

Labeling estimates. 11 

Lunes . 51 

Loads for wagons, carts, and bar- 

rows. 84 

Laying drain tiles and weeping 

tiles. 104 

Length of rafters. 143 

Lookouts for hip rafters. 144 

Labor, laying slates. 149 

Lineal measure.229 


M PAGE 

Mantels. 22 

Marble facings. 22 

Methods of estimating. 27 

Mensuration of superficies. 35 

Mitered hips. 194 

Mason. 205 

Masonry. 210 

Metric system. 227 

Measures of length. 226 

Measures of area. 226 

Measures of volume. 226 

N 

Note. 45 

Notes. 47 

Natural slopes. 99 

Nails. 149 

Nail table. 149 

Number of slates per square.... 152 

Newel posts. 157 

Nails, number per pound. 163 

Number of bricks in wall. 208 

O 

Of irregular bodies. 43 

Of irregular figures. 44 

Of the circle and its parts. 45 

Of ellipses. 53 

Ornamental facades. 137 

Ornamental plastering. 171 

Outside plastering. 182 

P 

Preface . 2 

Preliminary. 10 

Pews and sittings. 32 

Pricing generally. 33 

Parabolas. 54 

Problems. 55 

Prisms. 67 

Pyramids. 68 

Problems for pyramids. 69 

Prismoid. 71 

Parabolic conoids and spindles. 78 

Portland cement concrete. 88 

Paving with bricks. 88 

Proportion of concrete. 89 

Prices for concrete floors ana 
roofs. S* 
















































































INDEX 


PAGE 


Pumping and bailing. 93 

Pricing bills. 93 

Percentage of cost. 115 

Percentage of total cost. 116 

Prices of work of various kinds. 129 

Pressed brick houses. 133 

Pantries and closets. 161 

Porches. 161 

Plastering. 162 

Painting. 162 

Plumbing. 165 

Painter’s extras. J 6Q 

Painting per yard. i SO 

Plasterer and painter. 171 

Plaster cornices and enrichments 175 

Papier-mache center, etc. 176 

Plaster center pieces. 176 

Portland cement plastering. ... 182 

Plastering externally. 182 

Portland cement work. 183 

Portland cement fine work. 186 

Pantiles. 187 

Plain tiles. 188 

Purple roofing slate. 200 

Peach bottom slate.201 

Plumber. 205 

Painter. 206 

Paper hanger. 206 

Pavements. 209 

Preparing for slate roofs. 221 

Painter’s measurements. 242 

Paper hanger’s memoranda.... 244 

Q 

Quantities. ... . 12 

Quarried stone. 112 

R 

Reminders. 20 

Remarks, general. 26 

Rough quantities. 28 

Regular figures. 41 

Rock, its weight, etc. 85 

Railway rates. 94 

Rainfall, provide for. 104 

Rainwater drains. 106 

Rafters. 143 

Rise of roof. 143 

Run of rafter. 143 

Roofs. 145 


267 

PAGE 


Rails.,. 158 

Rough cast. 183 

Roofing tiles. 189 

Ridge tiles. 191 

Red roofing slate. 200 

Roofs generally. 217 

Rules for siding. 235 

Rules for making entries. 246 

S 

System in estimating. 19 

Stucco and stucco mouldings.. . 23 

Shingle roof. 24 

Slate roof. 24 

Scuttle. 25 

Stairs. 25 

Shower bath. 25 

Storm sashes. 26 

Screen doors. 26 

Slop hoppers. 26 

Segments of circles. 51 

Solids bounded by plain surfaces 66 

Spheres. 76 

Spherical segments. 77 

Spheroids. 77 

Stone mason. 84 

Stone work. 85 

Sand on a site. 94 

Site of building. 94 

Shoring for digging. 96 

Sheet piling. 98 

Stable drains. 107 

Stoneware drain pipes. 107 

Sills and lintels. 112 

Stone foundations . 112 

Stables, estimating of. 131 

Schools, estimating of... 132 

Skating rinks . .. 133 

Sheds. 134 

Stores. 134 

Shingles. 146 

Slate roofs. 147 

Slates, memoranda ........ 148 

Stair rails.. , ., .. 158 

Sliding doors.. , ..... 159 

Sashes... .. ..... 160 

Stone work. 164 

Stone ashlars. 164 

Some painter’s extras. 166 

Staining and varnishing. 167 



























































































2o8 


INDEX 


PAGE 


Seienitic cement. 185 

Sizes of tiles... 189 

Straight tiles. 190 

Slater’s gauge. 195 

Sea green slate. 201 

Slate table. 202 

Slater. 205 

Safe bearing loads. 209 

Stock bricks and mortar.. 211 

Shingling roofs. 217 

Snow and wind loads.219 

Slate roof. 221 

Shingle roof. 222 

Standing seam tin roofing.224 

Specific gravity and weights.. . 226 

Surveyor’s measure. 229 

Square measure. 229 

Surveyor’s square measure.... 229 
Standard weights of Cypress lum¬ 
ber.231 

Siding of all kinds. 234 

T 

Transportation. 17 

Tickler. 19 

Two-story bay window. 24 

Towers. 24 

Tin roof. 24 

Terra cotta. 25 

Transom doors. 26 

The young estimator, advice.. . 34 

Tables of geometrical figures... 36 

Tables of polygons. 37 

Tables of decimals, etc. 38 

Trapezoids. 36 

Triangles. 38 

Tables of polygons. 42 

The circle and its parts. 45 

The ellipse and its parts. 46 

Table of areas of segments of 

circles . 56 

Tables of areas of zones of circles 59 
Tables of proportion of length of 

arcs. 62 

Table of semi-elliptical arcs.... 64 

Things necessary to know. 84 

Trenches and foundation work. 93 

Trenching illustrated . 98 

Table of weights of materials. . 101 
Table of rough prices. 103 


PAGE 


Table of rough surfaces. 105 

Table of drains. 105 

Table of pipes. 106 

Table of cost of noted buildings 

per foot. 127 

Timber framing. 140 

Tin roofs. 146 

Table for slates. 148 

Table of number of slates per 

square. 152 

Table for cornices. 154 

Table for floors. 154 

Table for plasterer. 162 

Tiling. 186 

Tiles for valleys, hips, and ridges 191 

The slater. 193 

Tables of cost of slate. 199 

Tables of sizes of slates.202 

Table of iron pipes.207 

Table of number of bricks in 

walls. 208 

Table of brick and stone masonry 209 

Table of materials.212 

Table for brickwork ’.213 

Thickness of brick walls.215 

Table for estimating shingles. .. 217 
Table of weight of materials. . . 218 
To compute number of slates, etc 218 

Terne Plate. 219 

Tin roof.222 

Table for tin measurements. ... 224 

The metric system. 227 

Table showing depreciation of 

buildings.230 

Table of weights of timber.232 

Table of nails to the pound .... 241 

Table for painter’s work.242 

Table of lumber measurement.. 245 

U 

Use of tables. 43 

Use of tables of areas. 56 

V 

Veranda. 22 

Ventilation. 22 

Venetian blinds. 25 

Vestibule floors. 26 

Versed sines. 61 

Valleys. 147 


















































































INDEX 269 


PAGE 

Varnishing... 169 

Valley tiles. 191 

W 

Wine racks. 26 

Windows, plain. 26 

Windows, ornamental. 26 

Weight of one yard of earth, 

clay, sand, etc. 85 

Weight of stone, drain tiles, etc. 85 

Weights of materials. 101 

Work on trenches. 102 

Weeping tiles. 110 

Wainscoting. 155 


Questions for Students 


PAGE 


Winding stairs. 157 

Windows.160 

Wood and iron work . 167 

Wages per day of nine hours... 204 

Weight of cast iron pipes. 207 

Wind pressure on roofs.220 

Wind load.220 

Woods, dry. 227 

Wear and tear of building mate¬ 
rial. 230 

Weights of Pacific coast lumber. 231 

Z 

Zinc flashings. 24 

. 248 
















































































































































































GUIDE TO CORRECT 
MEASUREMENTS 


































AUTHORS’ PREFACE 


To ascertain accurately the cost of buildings proposed 
to be erected, and the separate values of the different 
artificers’ work, it is essential that a system of measure¬ 
ment be adopted. When an uniform system has been 
introduced into a country or any district, it gives a 
proper basis for each contractor to figure out his esti¬ 
mate. The present treatise is intended to meet this 
demand by formulating a system which has been practised 
for many years by me in my profession as a quantity 
surveyor and estimator in a large city. The advan¬ 
tages of this system are accuracy and minuteness of 
detail, which give the nearest value possible that would 
be satisfactory to proprietor and contractor. The 
various artificers’ work shall be treated separately, show¬ 
ing the methods of measuring each and making out the 
measurements of same. 

W. M. Brown. 

Assisted by Fred. T. Hodgson, Architect. 

COLLINGWOOD, OnT. 




















PART ONE 


RULES FOR MEASUREMENT OF MASON 

WORK 

(l) Foundations (other than rubble) for walls to 
be measured by the cubic foot where 12 inches thick or 
upwards; and where under 12 inches thick, to be rneas- 
ured by the superficial foot, stating thickness. Founda¬ 
tions for columns and pillars to be classed separately, 
according to size. The prices shall include materials, 
dressing, and building, but preparing for sole plates to 
be charged separately. 

Thus in the first instance a stone 12'0" long, 2'0" broad, 

and 18" thick, to be calculated: 12-0 

2-0 

24-0 

1-6 

24-0 

12-0 

Cubic feet 36-0 

In the second instance, foundations under 12" thick, 
thus: 

10" Foundation of wall, 12'0" long by 2'0" broad.12-0 

2-0 _ 

Superficial feet 24-0 

Foundations for columns and pillars to be classed 
separately, thus: 

Foundations for 3 columns each....T6"X1'6" and 3'0" high 

7 














8 builders’ and contractors’ guide 

The prices shall include materials, dressing, and 
building, but preparing for sole plates shall be charged 
separately. 

(2) Building of every description—with exceptions 
hereafter stated—shall be first measured as rubble by the 
superficial yard, and classed according to style of work 
and quality of materials. 

The exceptions are: Cube columns and pillars not 
connected with rubble, cornices in one or more leaves, 
anyone of which goes through full thickness of walls, and 
other courses going through full thickness of walls, 
mullions, transoms, tracery, skews, chimney stalks, 
newels, parpend ashlar walls, steps, platts, pavement, 
hearths, shelves, skirtings, border stones, copings on 
walls; and which shall be held to include building and 
laying, and shall not be measured as rubble. 

(3) Two feet shall be the standard thickness of 
building. Walls exceeding that thickness shall be 
reduced to it; and those under two feet thick shall be 
classed according to their respective thicknesses. Thus 
in the first instance a wall varying in thickness at dif¬ 
ferent heights is measured in the following manner: 

Rubble wall above foundation.2-10X47-0X 9-0= 66-5-3 

Rubble wall above 2'10" thickness.2- 6X47*0X10-0= 65-2-6 

Contents of 2'0" work in superficial yards 131-7-9 

These foregoing calculations are divided by 2 to bring 
them to the standard thickness of 2 feet, after being 
multiplied by each other, and then divided by 9 to 
give the contents in superficial yards, thus: 
















TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


9 


Superficial yards 


47.0 
9.0 
423.0 
2.10 
846.0 
352-6 
2)1198.6 
9) 599.3 
66-5-3 


47.0 

10.0 
470.0 
2.6 
940.0 
235.0 
2)1175.0 
9 ) 587.6 

Superficial yards 65-2-6 


(4) Walls shall be measured net, without girding, 
either in length or height. Gable tops and pediments 
shall be taken the average width within the skews by the 
perpendicular height, or in such a manner as will ascer¬ 
tain the net superficial area. 

Thus in the measurement of pediments the half of the 
base by the perpendicular height gives the net superficial 
area, in this instance. 

8-0X8-0=superficial feet 64-0 



The projections of such continuous cornices, mould¬ 
ings, and belts as are measured for rubble shall be 
reduced to the thickness of the walls with which they are 
connected Thus: 



















10 builders’ and contractors’ guide 

2'0" Rubble wall above foundation to 

top of cornice. 130-0X46-0=664-4- 0 

2'0" Rubble work in projection of 

moulded course. 6"X130-0X 0-4= 1-1-10 

2'0" Rubble work in projection of 

cornice on wall head. 12" X130-0X0-10= 6-0- 2 

Superficial yards 671-6- 0 


° FiG.£. 

*V0 

T 



Note. —The calculations of the projecting courses to 
be divided by 2 after being multiplied, to bring them to 2 
feet work, the thickness of wall. 

All circular and oriel walls to be measured on the 
outside circumference, and classed to their respective 
thicknesses, in every other respect they shall be measured 
as stated for straight work. 

The daylight size of all openings with their mullions, 
transoms, and tracery to be deducted from the building. 
No deduction to be made for vents, but thin parts of 
walls, such as window bossings, wall presses, and other 
recesses shall be deducted from main walls, and classed 
according to thickness. 
























TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


11 


(5) Levelings and beam filling.—No allowance to be 
made for levelings of any kind, except for bond timbers, 
which shall be charged by the lineal foot. Beam filling 
at wallheads shall be measured by the lineal foot, stating 
thickness and height, and cuttings on common rubble 
shall be measured by the lineal foot. 

(6) Scuncheons and angles.—The hammer dressed 
scuncheons at sides of openings (not having hewn dress¬ 
ings) window bossings, wall presses, other recesses, and 
exposed ends of detached walls shall be measured by the 
lineal foot of height and classed according to their quality 
and breadth. The inside scuncheons of openings having 
hewn dressings shall be included with said dressings. 

The hammer dressed corners under surface, and at 
angles inside of walls, to be measured by the lineal foot 
of height. 

(7) Vents and vent linings to be measured by the 
lineal foot, from the top of the oncome to the bottom of 
the stalk; the cutting of vents through cube stone to be 
charged separately; and oncomes, whether built or fire 
clay, shall be enumerated. Recesses formed or cut in 
walls for soil pipes and conductors shall be measured by 
the lineal foot. 

(8) Pointing of exposed face of common rubble 
walls shall be measured by the superficial yard, the 
daylight of openings being deducted. 

Square dressed rubble shall be measured by the super¬ 
ficial yard for extra value over common rubble, and 
classed according to quality. 

Coursers and Ashlar shall be measured by the super- 


12 builders' and contractors’ guide 

ficial foot for extra value over common rubble, and 
classed according to quality. 

The exposed surface only shall be measured for square 
dressed rubble, coursers, and ashlar; and all openings, 
with whole size of face of rybats, sills, lintels, corners, 
and other dressings, shall be deducted. The cover of fac¬ 
ing at internal angles shall be charged by the lineal foot 
of height. The cuttings at all angles and circles shall 
be measured by the lineal foot for labor and waste of 
material. 

Rustic work shall be measured as plain surface, with¬ 
out girding, and the channels shall be described and 
measured by the lineal foot. 

In all cases where facing of walls is checked or curved 
and where headers are required at upstarts and pilasters, 
the same shall be described and measured by the lineal 
foot. 

(9) Principal stones not less than 12 inches thick, and 
the breadth of which does not exceed twice the thickness, 
nor the length twice the breadth, shall be measured by the 
cubic foot and classed according to their contents, viz.: 
—under 15, 20, or 25 cubic feet, and so on progressively. 

Stones more than 24 inches in breadth, and the 
breadth of which exceeds twice the thickness, shall be 
measured by the superficial foot, and classed according to 
their thickness and contents. 

Stones other than these two classes, and above 14 
inches by 9 inches, shall be measured by the lineal foot, 
and classed according to breadth and thickness, and also 
according to length where it exceeds 4 feet. 






TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


13 


(10) Hewing of principal stones, so far as exposed, 
to be measured by the superficial foot, and classed 
according to quality. The extreme length of returns at 
external and internal angles of moulded work shall be 
taken, and all mitres enumerated. The hewing of top bed 
of cornices and other mouldings, where 12 inches broad 
and upwards, shall be measured and classed separately. 
Scabbled and broached hewing on sides of shop piers 
shall be measured by the superficial foot. 

(11) Stones 14 inches by 9 inches and under shall be 
measured for material and hewing by the lineal foot, 
stating size of stone and girth of hewing, and classed 
according to length, where it exceeds 4 feet. Belt, string, 
and similar courses shall be measured extreme length of 
moulding, and the mitres enumerated. 

(12) Corners and rybats to be measured by the lineal 
foot of height, stating size of stone, description of labor, 
and girth of hewing; the rybats being girded to bottom 
of check. 

(13) Sills and lintels to be measured as principal or 
lesser stones, the length for hewing to be taken same as 
length of stones, and girth of hewing for sills shall be 
taken six inches inward from check, or as far as hewn, 
and for lintels to bottom of check. When plain sills 
project, one projection shall be added to the length, and 
the return ends of moulded sills and architrave lintels, 
also footings and reprises, shall be enumerated. All 
labor on face to be described, and included in the prices of 
sills and lintels. 

(14) Working beds and joints of stones shall, in all 
cases, be included in the price of the stone. 




14 builders’ and contractors’ guide 

(15) Circular hewn work shall be measured in the 
same manner as straight work, but classed separately; 
the full size of stone required to work circle shall be 
stated. 

(16) Stones in arches over openings shall be meas¬ 
ured at their extreme sizes, and charged by the cubic or 
superficial foot. The plain hewing shall be measured 
net by the superficial foot; and moulded hewing shall be 
measured at the outer circumference of each ring for 
length, and charged by the superficial foot. 

(17) Vaulted and barrel arches shall be measured at 
their largest circumference, and classed according to 
their thickness and quality. Where groins occur, they 
shall be measured by the lineal foot of groin, and charged 
separately for labor and waste of material. 

(18) Chimney stalks of ashlar, coursers, or square 
dressed rubble shall be girded and charged by the super¬ 
ficial foot, the price to include forming fair face on inside 
and building, the briggs (divisions) of vents shall be 
described and measured by the lineal foot of height, and 
vent linings shall be charged extra. All cornices and 
plinths under copes shall be measured by the lineal foot, 
stating size of stone and girth of hewing, the price to 
include forming fair face on inside and building. All 
plain and moulded copes not above 12 inches thick shall 
be measured by the lineal foot, stating size of stone and 
girth of hewing, and the return ends shall be measured or 
enumerated; but if above 12 inches thick, they shall be 
measured by the cubic foot for stone, and the hewing 
shall be measured by the superficial foot. In all cases 


TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


15 


the price of copes shall include building; and the perfor¬ 
ating of copes for vents shall be measured or enumerated. 

(19) Room chimney jambs and lintels shall be 
charged by the set, according to quality. Kitchen and 
laundry jambs and lintels shall be charged separately in 
detail, stating the size of both jambs and lintels. The 
jambs, sills, and lintels of safe presses in walls shall be 
measured by the lineal foot, stating size of stone and 
girth of hewing. 

(20) Hearths shall be measured at extremes, and 
charged by the superficial foot. When front and back 
hearths are in one stone, the checking shall be enumerated 
per hearth. 

(21) Platts shall be classed according to size and 
quality, and rated by the superficial foot; the full length 
and breadth of stones shall be taken, except in the case 
of platts formed of winding steps, where the breadth 
shall be taken in the center. The hewing on edge and 
underside of platts shall be measured net for labor only. 
Steps shall be charged by number; according to size and 
quality, the length being stated clear of wall hold, which 
shall be understood to be 4^ inches for resting steps and 
9 inches for hanging steps, unless otherwise specified. 

(22) Newels and parpend ashlar walls shall be meas¬ 
ured for stone by the superficial foot, stating the thick- 
ness, the hewing being charged separately. 

(23) Pavement shall be measured at extremes and 
charged by the superficial yard; and a separate charge by 
the lineal foot shall be made for cuttings at angles or 
circles. 


16 builders’ and contractors’ guide 

(24) Skirting, whether level or raking, shall be meas¬ 
ured by the lineal foot, stating the breadth and quality. 

(25) Coping and skews on walls, also border and 
gutter stones, shall be measured by the lineal foot, and 
classed according to their size and quality, the girth of 
hewing to be stated where requisite. 

(26) Fire clay drain pipes to be measured by the 
lineal yard and classed according to their size and 
quality; bends, eyes, and other connections shall be 
charged extra. In all cases the price shall include dig¬ 
ging and refilling track 3 feet in depth or less; where the 
depth of track exceeds 3 feet, the actual depth shall be 
stated and charged extra. Cesspools and traps to be 
described and enumerated. Built sewers shall be meas¬ 
ured by the lineal yard, and classed according to size and 
quality; connections with old drains and sewers shall be 
charged separately. 

(27) Taking delivery, carrying in, and setting iron 
beams and lintels to be classed according to length and 
weight, and charged by the lineal foot; columns and 
mullions at a price for each, according to size and weight. 

(28) Dooking walls for strapping shall be measured 
by the superficial yard. Dooking for window stanchions 
shall be charged per window. Cutting raggles for lead or 
slates shall be measured by the lineal foot. 

(29) Cutting batt holes, socketing for stair railings, 
perforating walls for water, gas, and drain pipes, and 
executing all other jobbings required by the carpenters, 
plumbers, and other tradesmen employed at the buildings, 
shall be charged as a separate item. 











TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


17 


(30) Furnishing, lighting, and upholding lamps shall 
be charged as a separate item. 

(31) In all cases the plumbing of rybats and scun- 
cheons, building or filling up savings, forming washings 
on bases and sills, and all matters of a similar description 
required to complete the work as represented on the 
drawings, or described in the specification, also supply¬ 
ing water, shall be held to be included in the prices of the 
work. 

(32) All ordinary scaffolding, planks, tresses, and 
gangways shall be provided by the contractor for wright 
work, but these shall be set up and shifted as required by 
the contractor for mason work; and all gabbart scaffold¬ 
ing shall be provided, erected, and altered from time to 
time by the contractor for wright work. But all cranes 
and crane seats, also all tackling and other appliances 
requisite for conducting the work, shall be furnished by 
the contractor for mason work, and shall be held to be 
included in the prices of the work. 

(33) The foregoing Rules and Regulations shall be 
held as generally applicable to the measurement of all 
work, whether materials and workmanship are wholly or 
only partially furnished by the contractors; and likewise, 
when partial or sub-contracts are made for workmanship, 
cartage, quarrying, furnishing of lime, and such like; 
so that the same quantities shall apply throughout the 
whole departments of the work. 


9 


RULES FOR MEASUREMENT OF BRICK 

WORK 


(1) Foundations shall be measured by the cubic yard, 

(2) Walls shall be classed according to the numbei 
of bricks in their respective thicknesses, and measured b} 
the superficial yard. 

(3) Hollow walls to be stated at their full thickness, 
giving the outer and inner thicknesses respectively and 
width of space between, also mode of tying, and number 
of ties, and classed separately from ordinary work by the 
superficial yard. 

(4) Walls shall be measured net without girding 
either in length or height. Gable tops and pediments 
shall be taken the average width within the skews, by the 
perpendicular height, or in such a manner as will ascer¬ 
tain the net superficial area. 

(5) The projections of chimney breasts, pilasters, 
and butts shall be measured with the walls to which they 
are built and reduced to the same thickness as the wall. 

(6) The projections of brick, continuous cornices, 
mouldings, and belts shall be reduced to the thickness of 
walls with which they are connected. 

(7) All circular, octagonal, and oriel walls to be 
measured on their outside circumference, or extreme 
length, and classed according to their respective thick¬ 
nesses, in every other respect they shall be measured 
as stated for straight work. 


18 



TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


19 


(8) The daylight size of all openings to be deducted. 
No deduction to be made from brick walls for stone, bond 
timbers, joists, lintels, fireplaces, vents, or ventilation 
flues, but thin parts of walls, such as window bossings, 
wall presses, and other recesses, to be deducted from main 
walls, and classed according to thickness. 

(9) All scuncheons and rybats to be charged sep¬ 
arately by the lineal foot and classed according to their 
respective thicknesses and character. 

(10) All arches over openings and recesses to be 
measured by the lineal foot at their outside or extreme 
lengths for extra value over common brick walling. 
The thickness of arch and the height of rings to be 
stated, and the price to include for cutting walls for 
arches. Skewbacks shall be enumerated. 

(11) No allowance to be made for levelings of any 
kind. 

(12) Cutting at angles on the various walls to be 
measured by the lineal foot, stating thickness. 

(13) Beam fillings at wall-heads to be measured by 
the lineal foot, stating thickness and height. 

(14) All corners of walls to be measured by the 
lineal foot for plumbing. 

(15) Forming fireplaces (not having stone jambs 
and lintels) shall be enumerated, and to include for 
scuncheons, oncome, and arch. 

(16) All vents shall be measured by the lineal foot, 
from the bottom of the lintel to where they finish. 
Oncomes of fire clay shall be enumerated. 

(17) Chimney stalks shall be girthed, thickness of 


20 builders’ and contractors’ guide 

brick work stated, and charged by the superficial yard, 
and price to include for briggs (divisions) and plumbing. 

(18) Piers one brick and a half square and upwards 
shall be measured net by the cubic yard. The forming 
of corners shall be charged separately by the lineal foot. 

(19) Piers under one brick and a half square shall be 
measured by the lineal foot according to their respective 
thicknesses, and to include plumbing corners. 

(20) Rounded or moulded nosing bricks at rybats, 
corners, cornices, string or belt courses shall be measured 
by the lineal foot for extra value. 

(21) Mitered angles, returns, and stop ends shall be 
enumerated for extra value. 

(22) All pointing shall be measured by the superficial 
yard. 

(23) All enameled, vitrified, or other special brick 
facing of walls shall be measured net by the superficial 
yard for extra value over common brick. 

(24) Rounded, nosing, or rounded brick rybats, 
corners, cornices, string or belt courses to be measured 
by the lineal foot for extra value over special brick 
facing. 

(25) Mitered angles, returns, and stop ends shall be 
enumerated for extra value. 

(26) Arches shall be measured by the lineal foot for 
the extra value over special facing brick at their extreme 
lengths, stating thickness and height, and price to 
include cutting walls for arches. Skewbacks shall be 
enumerated. 

(27) Vaulted and barrel arches shall be measured by 



TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


21 


the superficial yard at the largest circumference, or out¬ 
side girth, stating full thickness of rings. 

(28) All • cuttings at skews and groins shall be 
measured by the lineal foot, and charged separately for 
labor and waste of material. 

(29) Skewbacks shall be measured by the lineal foot. 

(30) Steam boiler seats and flues shall be measured 
by the cubic yard, and to include for all fire brick covers 
and resting blocks. The boilers only shall be deducted. 
Briggs inside of boilers shall be enumerated. 

(31) Chimney stalks for furnaces shall be measured 
round the outside face at the start of the various thick¬ 
nesses, each being stated separately, by the superficial 
yard, or described and taken by the lineal foot. The price 
in both cases shall include for plumbings. 

(32) Brick paving shall be measured by the super¬ 
ficial yard. Cutting at angles shall be charged by the 
lineal foot. Forming gutter channels in brick to be 
measured by the lineal foot. 

(33) Sewers or flues executed circular or skewed, to 
be measured at the extreme points. 

(34) Pipe chases built or cut in walls, also raggles 
for lead batting or slates, shall be measured by the lineal 
foot. 

(35) Dooking for strapping of lined or lathed walls, 
to be measured by the superficial yard. 

(36) Cutting batt holes, perforating walls for water, 
gas, and drain pipes, and executing all other jobbings 
required by joiners, plumbers, and gasfitters, shall be 
charged as a separate item. 





22 builders’ and contractors’ guide 

(37) Removing rubbish connected with this depart¬ 
ment of the work to be charged as a separate item. 

(38) Furnishing, lighting, and upholding lamps shall 
be charged as a separate item. 

(39) Any mason work included under a contract for 
brick work shall be measured in accordance with Rules 
for Measurement of Mason Work. 

(40) Supplying water shall be included in the prices 
of the work. 

(41) All ordinary scaffolding, planks, tresses, and 
gangways shall be provided by the contractor for wright 
work, but these shall be set up and shifted as required by 
the contractor for brick work; and all gabbart scaffold¬ 
ing shall be provided, erected, and altered from time to 
time, by the contractor for wright work. But all cranes 
and crane seats, also all tackling and other appliances 
requisite for conducting the work, shall be furnished by 
the contractor for brick work, and shall be held to be 
included in the prices of the work. 

(42) The foregoing rules shall be applicable to the 
measurement of all work, whether materials or workman¬ 
ship are wholly or only partially furnished by the con¬ 
tractors, and likewise, when partial or sub-contracts are 
made for workmanship, cartage, furnishing of lime, and 
such like; so that the same quantities shall apply through¬ 
out the whole departments of the work. 


j 












RULES FOR MEASUREMENT OF WRIGHT 

WORK 


(1) The general conditions (Nos. 1 to 8) shall apply 
to all work, unless otherwise specially provided in the 
following Rules. 

(2) The scantlings and descriptions shall be explicitly 
stated, and timbers exceeding 25 feet in length shall be 
classed separately. 

(3) All work shall be measured net, unless where 
allowances are specially provided for. 

(4) Oblique or circular cutting on work charged net 
by superficial measure shall be charged by the lineal foot 
for waste of material and labor. 

(5) Circular work shall be classed separately, and 
where the nature of the work requires, it shall be 
described as bent or wrought out of solid. 

(6) All moulded returned ends, forming to circle at 
corners, also rounding or beveling corners of shelving, 
counter tops, seat boards, book boards, and other simi¬ 
lar work, shall be enumerated. 

(7) Mitres shall only be charged where stated in the 
Rules. All other miters shall not be chargeable sep¬ 
arately, but shall be held to be included in the prices. 

(8) All prices shall include fitting and fixing with the 
screws, nails, or other materials, and workmanship 
necessary for so doing. 

(9) The charges for all temporary work, such as 
scaffolding, sheds, centers, and the like, shall be held to 

23 




24 


builders’ and contractors’ guide 


include the adequate maintenance of the same during the 
currency of the work. 

(10) When so specified, the wright shall furnish all 
scaffolding, planks and tresses required for the building. 
These shall be set up and shifted by the several contract¬ 
ors requiring them, and shall be taken down and laid on 
the ground by the contractor last using them. The main 
gangways and all supports required for the building shall 
be furnished and set up by the wright. 

(11) Planks for supporting embankments and 
trenches, for wheeling, for mixing platforms, and for 
boxing concrete foundations shall be specified sepa¬ 
rately. 

(12) The wrights shall erect uprights and iix cross 
needles for plasterers’ scaffolds where ceilings are above 
13 feet and do not exceed 20 feet in height, but the 
plasterer shall cover same with planks. 

(13) All gabbart scaffolds and special scattolds for 
carvers and other tradesmen shall be provided, erected 
and altered from time to time by the wright. All such 
scaffolding shall be classed separately, and the lengths 
and heights requiring gabbarts shall be stated. 

(14) Shores or supports with cross-heads, at altera¬ 
tions or at adjoining buildings, shall be described and 
enumerated. 

(15) The wright shall provide adequate and thor¬ 
oughly water-tight sheds for hewers, tool-house and 
houfif, and where required shall enclose the building and 
fit up two paths of planks with posts and handrail, and 
shall also fit up blinds at all openings. Should an office 














TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


25 


for Clerk of Works be required, the wright shall erect 
and fit up the same as described in the estimate. 

(16) When so specified, the wright shall provide 
templates, also moulds of wood or strong zinc for the 
masons’ use, and lay down the requisite drawing boards, 
also pover stair steps and all exposed and projecting parts 
of mason work with rough boarding. 

(17) Centers for arched openings in walls, and 
arches under hearths, shall be described and enumerated. 

(18) Centers for barrel and groined arches shall be 
measured on soffit, and charged by superficial yard. 

(19) Temporary boarding with bearers for concrete 
floors shall be measured on soffit by superficial yard. 

(20) The prices for all centers and temporary board¬ 
ing shall include the supports or hangers, and the cost of 
easing and striking. 

(21) Safe lintels shall be measured by the cubic foot, 
and where the lengths exceed 12 feet shall be classed 
separately. Those in circular walls shall be measured at 
extremes of each piece and classed separately. When 
sawn all round they shall be classed separately. 

(22) Taking delivery, carrying in, raising, setting, 
staying and racking iron pillars shall be enumerated. 
The heights and positions of the pillars shall be stated. 

(23) Beams, sawn or dressed, shall be measured by 
the lineal foot, and scarves shall be enumerated. Where 
chamfers, beads, mouldings, or channels are required they 
shall be stated. Stop ends shall be enumerated. Flitch 
plates shall be measured by the lineal foot, and bolts shall 
be enumerated. 





26 builders’ and contractors’ guide 

(24) Wall plates under joists and roofs, runners on 
and warpings in brick partitions, and warpings for linings 
shall be measured by the lineal foot; half checking shall 
be described, and included in the price. 

(25) All sleeper, floor and ceiling joists shall be 
measured by the lineal foot, the distance from center to 
center being stated. The price of diagonal joists shall 
include cutting other joists on each side. 

(26) Bridles shall be measured by the lineal foot, 
and the prices shall include dovetailing, morticing and 
tenoning as shall be described. 

(27) Solid dwangs and those formed by cross pieces 
shall be measured by the lineal foot, measuring across 
joists. Iron rods through joists shall be measured by 
the lineal foot, and the screwed ends, nuts, heads and 
washers enumerated. The prices of rods shall include 
perforating and fitting. 

(28) Framed timbers in bound couples, sawn or 
dressed, shall be measured by the lineal foot. In all cases 
the prices shall include dovetailing, morticing and tenon¬ 
ing. Where chamfers, beads, mouldings or channels are 
required they shall be stated. Stop ends shall be 
enumerated. 

(29) Iron straps and bolts for bound couples shall 
be described and enumerated, and the prices for straps 
shall include perforating for bolts. Perforating timber 
for bolts, also fitting and fixing iron work of bound 
couples, shall be charged for each couple. 

(30) Purlins shall be measured by the lineal foot, the 
checking at main rafters and cleats supporting purlins 
shall be enumerated. 


TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 27 

(31) Common and purlin spars for roofs shall be 
measured by the superficial yard, the distance from center 
to center being stated. An allowance of 9 inches shall be 
made at all cuttings, and added to the quantity. Labor 
beveling or checking at top and bottom shall be included 
in the price. The deductions at dormers, roof lights, 
stacks, etc., shall be calculated according to the number 
of battons wanting. Battons of circular roofs shall be 
measured by the lineal foot, and the prices shall include 
cutting and waste of material. 

(32) Ridge boards, flank and hip rafters, and 
wall plates shall be measured by the lineal foot. The 
prices for pole plates shall include checking as shall be 
described. 

(33) Sarking shall be measured by the superficial 
yard. An allowance of 9 inches shall be made at all 
cuttings and added to the quantity, which allowance shall 
include supporting fillets where necessary. Doubling or 
tilting fillets for slates and lead shall be measured by the 
lineal foot. Sarking of circular roofs shall be measured 
net by the superficial yard without allowance, and the 
prices shall include cutting and waste of material. 

(34) Balks, oxterpieces, and ties shall be measured 
by the lineal foot, the distance from center to center being 
stated. 

Labor beveling or checking ends shall be included in 
the price. • 

(35) Platform joisting, cambered joisting, and 
cambered pieces on joists shall be measured by the lineal 
foot. 


28 builders’ and contractors’ guide 

(36) Platform boarding shall be measured by the 
superficial yard. Bottles on edges and battens for rolls 
shall be measured by the lineal foot. 

(37) Lined soffits of roof projections under 12 inches 
broad shall be measured by the lineal foot, and those at or 
above 12 inches broad shall be measured by the superficial 
yard. Mitered joints at angles of lining shall be measured 
by the lineal foot. Cantilevers shall be enumerated. 
Mouldings, facings, and skew copes shall be measured by 
the lineal foot, and miters on these be enumerated. 

(38) Gutter boarding shall be measured by the 
superficial foot, each length being taken at its greatest 
breadth, and the price shall include cutting and bearers. 
Where bearers are of a greater scantling than 2/4 by 2 
inches, they shall be charged separately by the lineal 
foot. 

(39) Spars and bearers of snow staging shall be 
measured by the lineal foot. 

(40) Framing of continuous roof lights and cupolas 
shall be measured by the lineal foot. Roof lights contain¬ 
ing less than 12 superficial feet shall be measured by the 
superficial foot. All frames, fillets, checks, and facings 
shall be measured by the lineal foot. 

(41) Hatch boards and service boards, with their 
finishings, shall be enumerated. 

(42) Boarding of gangways within roofs shall be 
measured by the superficial yard, and bearers shall be 
measured by the lineal foot. 

(43) Deafening-boarding shall be measured by the 
superficial yard, and the price shall include the fillets 


TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


29 


supporting the boards. Joists and partitions under 9 
inches thick shall not be deducted. 

(44) Straps for lath on walls, scuncheons, soffits and 
beams, also brandering for lath ceilings, and bracketing 
forming or enclosing beams, shall be measured by the 
superficial yard, the distance from center to center being 
stated. Openings shall be deducted net size. Hangers 
lowering ceilings shall be measured by the lineal foot. 

(45) The prices for straps and grounds shall include 
the dooks or holdfasts driven into stone or brick work. 

(46) Standard partitions shall be measured by the 
superficial yard, the distances from center to center being 
stated. Openings shall be deducted net size. Runners, 
dwangs and cross pieces, also framing of trusses, shall 
be measured by the lineal foot. 

(47) Ribs forming coved ceilings and domes shall be 
measured by the lineal foot. 

(48) Bracketing for mock arches shall be measured 
by the lineal foot. Bracketing for cornices shall be 
measured by the lineal foot of cornice, the sizes of 
bracketing and the distances from center to center being 
stated. The longitudinal grounds and dooks for bracket¬ 
ing shall be included in the price. 

(49) Blocks for gas pendants and brackets, also for 
bell-pulls, shall be enumerated. 

(50) Lath shall be measured by the superficial yard, 
and partitions under 9 inches thick shall not be deducted. 
Lath on paneled ceilings, coves and circled work shall 
be classed separately. Lath at domes shall be measured 
net, without allowance. Lath and fillets deafening parti¬ 
tions shall be measured over standards. 



30 builders’ and contractors’ guide 

(51) Flooring shall be measured by the superficial 
yard, and partitions under 9 inches thick shall not be 
deducted. Traversing floors shall form a separate 
charge by the superficial yard. Labor butting flooring, 
where reversed at ends, shall be measured by the lineal 
foot. Bearers or dwangs for flooring at borders shall be 
measured by the lineal foot. Cutting and fitting flooring 
at tile hearths and columns shall be enumerated. Hearths 
in floors and borders for hearths shall be enumerated. 

(52) Stair steps shall be enumerated, the prices shall 
include treads, breasts, mouldings, brackets, and stringers 
or springboards. Newel posts shall be measured by the 
lineal foot. 

(53) Bound raking and triangular lining at stairs 
shall be measured net and classed separately. The length 
of oblique rails shall be laken for cutting. 

(54) Wood balusters and pedestals of stair railings 
shall be enumerated. Iron balusters shall be enumerated, 
and their price shall include thin iron strap for cope. 

(55) Cope of hand rail shall be measured by the lineal 
foot. Scroll ends with offsets shall be enumerated, and 
the sizes stated. 

(56) Sides and steps of trap stairs shall be measured 
by the lineal foot. 

(57) Linings shall be measured by the superficial 
yard, and where grounds are required they shall be 
described along with the lining. Walls and ingoings 
shall be classed separately. Working beads or chamfers 
at arrises shall be measured by the lineal foot. 

(58) Windows composed of sashes and cases shall be 


TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 31 

measured 9 inches wider and 2 inches higher than the 
daylight size of each compartment, and charged by the 
superficial foot. The prices shall include pulleys, hemp 
cords, cast iron weights, iron screws for batten rods, 
fitting and hanging. If inside facings are broader than 
4/4 inches they shall be charged by the lineal foot for 
extra value. 

(59) Where pulleys are of greater value than ordi¬ 
nary iron or brass faced ones, and the sashes are hung 
with materials more costly than hemp cords, these shall 
be specified and the windows enumerated for extra value. 
Lead weights shall be charged by the cwt. for extra value 
over cast iron. Brass screws and sockets for batten 
rods shall be enumerated. 

(60) Windows shall be specified as with or without 
astragals, and as for plate, sheet or other glass, each 
description being classed separately. 

(61) Windows having sashes divided for specially 
small panes shall be classed separately. 

(62) Windows containing over 6 and under 12 
superficial feet shall be classed separately. 

(63) Moulded ends on stiles of sashes shall be 
enumerated. 

(64) Paneled or moulded facings opposite mullions 
shall be measured by the lineal foot for extra value over 
plain facings. 

(65) Framing of shop windows and side lights, also 
of fan lights without astragals, shall be measured by the 
lineal foot. Astragals in shop windows shall be measured 
by the lineal foot. 


32 builders’ and contractors’ guide 

(66) Fixed or hinged sashes and fan lights with 
astragals shall be measured by the superficial foot. 
Frames and checks shall be measured by the lineal foot. 

(67) All windows containing 6 superficial feet and 
under shall be enumerated, and the prices shall include 
frames and checks. 

(68) Windows of whatever description having circled 
or pointed tops, also oblique and round windows, shall 
be measured as if square at the extreme sizes and the 
circled or pointed tops enumerated. 

(69) In all cases the number of windows, side lights, 
and fan lights shall be stated. 

(70) Fillets securing glass instead of putty shall be 
measured by the lineal foot. 

(71) Where glass is charged separately, it shall be 
measured according to the “Mode for Glazier Work.” 

(72) Shutters with their closers and bound linings 
shall be measured by the superficial foot, soffits being 
taken at extreme length. Shutters having more than two 
panels and their corresponding bound linings shall be 
classed separately. Checking edges, fitting and hanging 
shutters and closers shall be enumerated per window. 
Plain linings shall be measured by the superficial yard. 

(73) Facings and architraves shall be measured by 
the lineal foot, stating the number of pairs. Staff beads, 
margin-stiles, copes, moulded bases at breasts and shutter 
checks shall be measured by the lineal foot, base blocks 
shall be charged by the pair, and raggling or housing 
shall be specially described. 

(74) Grounds with dooks for facings and architraves 


TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


33 


shall be included with the prices for these, but dressed 
and checked grounds shall be charged separately by the 
lineal foot. 

(75) Fixing ironmongery shall be charged by enu¬ 
meration of windows and shutters. 

(76) Frames for doors, with fixtures, shall be meas¬ 
ured by the lineal foot, stating the number of pairs, and 
the prices shall include driven dooks where required. 
Mouldings wrought on frames shall be described therewith. 

(77) Iron bolts or bats for fixing frames shall be 
enumerated, and the prices shall include boring, fitting 
and lead. 

(78) Dooks built into brick walls for fixing door¬ 
frames shall be enumerated. 

(79) Grounds for lining in thick walls at side 
opposite to doors shall be measured by lineal foot. 

(80) All doors shall be charged by the superficial 
foot, stating the number. Doors having more than four 
panels shall be classed separately. 

(81) Doors in two or more leaves, those prepared 
for glass and those containing less than 12 superficial feet, 
shall be charged separately. 

(82) Doors having circled or pointed tops shall be 
measured as if square at the extreme sizes, and the 
circled or pointed tops enumerated. 

(83) Beads covering tenons on edge of doors with 
their groove, also planted slips for glass, shall be meas¬ 
ured by the lineal foot. 

(84) Rounding edges of doors and hollowing frames 
or checks shall be measured by the lineal foot. 


34 builders’ and contractors’ guide 

(85) Bars on back of plain doors shall be measured 
by the lineal foot. 

(86) Fitting and hanging doors shall be enumer¬ 
ated. 

(87) Facings, architraves and checks shall be meas¬ 
ured by the lineal foot, stating the number of pairs. 
Base blocks shall be charged by the pair, and raggling orj 
housing shall be specially described. 

(88) Fixing ironmongery shall be charged by enu¬ 
meration of the doors. Doors having mortise locks shall 
be classed separately. 

(89) All bases, surbases, skirtings, beltings, copings 
and picture mouldings shall be measured by the lineal 
foot. Miters thereon, including miters to facings, shall 
be enumerated. Where fixtures are required for any of 
the foregoing they shall be described therewith. Scribing 
to mouldings at mantelpieces shall be enumerated. 

(90) Bell boards and corner beads shall be measured 
by the lineal foot, and where fixtures are required they 
shall be described therewith. 

(91) Jamb mouldings, shelves on fireplaces, mantel¬ 
pieces and chimneypieces shall be enumerated. The 
prices shall include the necessary fixtures. 

(92) Shelves, halfets and divisions 12 inches or more 
in breadth shall be measured by the superficial foot, but 
those under 12 inches in breadth shall be measured by the 
lineal foot. 

(93) Raggles and fillets shall be measured by the 
lineal foot. Framed or open brackets shall be enumerated. 

(94) Sparred bed bottoms with bearers shall be 


TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


35 


enumerated. Stocks, halfets and brow bands shall be 
measured by the lineal foot. 

(95) Framing of dressers and coal boxes shall be 
measured by the lineal foot. Pantry fittings shall be 
classed separately. 

(96) Tops shall be measured by the superficial foot. 

(97) Linings shall be measured by the superficial 
yard, and where grounds are required they shall be 
described therewith. 

(98) Drawers shall be measured by the superficial 
foot, stating the number, and the prices shall include 
glued blocks. Those under 6 inches in depth shall be 
classed separately. 

(99) Spars forming shelves shall be measured by the 
lineal foot. 

(100) Slips on edges of lining, coping, fillets and 
sliders shall be measured by the lineal foot. 

(101) Cornices shall be measured by the lineal foot, 
and when blocks or brackets are required they shall be 
described therewith. Miters shall be enumerated. 

(102) Moulds for marble tops of basins, also framed 
supports for sinks, basins and water-closet seats shall be 
enumerated. 

(103) Framing under washing tubs shall be meas¬ 
ured by the lineal foot. 

(104) Baths, sinks, cisterns and washing tubs, also 
seats, tops, and bound work of water-closets and basins, 
shall be measured by the superficial foot. 

(105) The closet seats and basin tops shall be enu¬ 
merated for the cutting and rounding of apertures. 
Fitting and hinging covers shall be enumerated. 





36 builders' and contractors' guide 

(106) French polishing, when charged separately, 
shall be measured by the superficial foot. 

(107) Pipe covers with plain grounds shall be meas¬ 
ured by the lineal foot. Checked and beaded grounds 
shall be measured by the lineal foot 0 

(108) Tops of counters and tables shall be measured 
by the superficial foot. Rounding and moulding edges 
shall be measured by the lineal foot. Miters at mouldings 
shall be enumerated. 

(109) Bound fronts of counters shall be measured by 
the superficial foot. 

(110) Framing, mouldings, skirtings and toe facings 
shall be measured by the lineal foot. Miters at mould¬ 
ings shall be enumerated. 

(111) Framing of pews, also seatboards, bookboards, 
beaded ledges and footboards shall be measured by the 
lineal foot. 

(112) Backs of pews and passages, also fronts of 
galleries and pulpits, shall be measured in detail by the 
lineal foot, except in the case of linings and bound work, 
which shall be measured by the superficial foot. 

(113) Halfets shall be enumerated. 

(114) Heel and head posts of trevices, also rails 
and spars of racks, shall be measured by the lineal 
foot. 

(115) Trevice divisions shall be measured by the 
superficial foot, the full length of each board being taken, 
and the price shall include fitting to posts and rails. 
Cutting divisions to curve at top shall be measured by the 
lineal foot. 


TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


37 


(116) Painting on snow staging, projections of roofs 
and all other outside work shall be measured by the 

superficial yard. 

■ • 

(117) Attending plumbers, gasfitters, smiths and 
bellhangers, forming screwed lifting boards in floors and 
linings over pipes and cranks (if brass screws and sockets 
are used they shall be enumerated), perforating for all 
pipes, gratings and cocks, also supplying and fitting 
bearers and blocks for gas pipes and bell wires, shall be 
charged as a separate item. 

(118) Attending electric, heating or other engineers, 
shall be charged as a separate item. 

(119) Cleaning out floors for painters and removing 
rubbish from this department of work shall be charged 
as a separate item. 

(120) The foregoing Rules shall be applicable to the 
measurement of all work, whether materials and work¬ 
manship are wholly or only partially furnished by the 
contractor, and also to all partial or sub-contracts. Any 
items not expressly mentioned shall be measured and 
described in conformity therewith. 


RULES FOR MEASUREMENT OF GLAZIER 

WORK 


Plate Glass 

(1) Plate glass, whether polished or rough, shall be 
measured at its extreme size; all fractional parts of inches 
shall be charged as full inches; irregular shaped plates 
shall be charged as the squares required to cut them from, 
and classed separately. In estimating plate glass, the size 
of each pane may be stated, or the contents of the panes 
as not above 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 superficial feet, above 
8 to 20 feet inclusive to step 2 feet at a time, and above 
20 feet to step 5 feet at a time. The words “polished 
plate glass” will be understood as polished on both sides, 
if it be polished on one side and rough on the other, to 
be so described and charged separately. Plates polished 
on one side and ground on the other, to be so described 
and charged separately. The thickness of the glass shall 
be stated, and whether it is to be of American or other 
manufacture. The grinding or polishing edges of plate 
glass shall be charged by the lineal foot, stating the thick¬ 
ness of the glass. Forming polished chamfers on edges 
of glass shall be measured by the lineal foot, stating 
the breadth. 

Sheet Glass 

(2) Sheet glass shall be measured at its extreme size, 
and described as best, second or third quality; all frac¬ 
tional parts of inches shall be charged as full inches; 

irregular shaped plates shall be charged as the squares 

88 


TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


39 


required to cut them from, and classed separately. In 
estimating sheet glass weighing 15, 21 or 26 ounces 
per superficial foot, the contents of each pane shall 
be stated as not above 11 feet, it being understood that 
no pane shall exceed in length 50 inches, or in width 
36 inches; above 11 to 21 feet, the contents to be stated 
in steps of 2 feet, the length varying according to contents 
from 55 to 80 inches, and the width from 38 to 48 inches. 
In the case of sheet glass weighing 32, 36 or 42 ounces 
per superficial foot, the contents of each pane shall be 
stated as not above 8 feet, it being understood that no 
pane shall exceed in length 45 inches or in width 34 
inches; above 8 to 14 feet, the steps to be stated in steps 
of 2 feet, the length varying according to contents from 
50 to 60 inches, and the width from 36 to 40 inches; 
above 14 to 19, the contents to be stated in steps of one 
foot, the length varying according to contents from 60 to 
85 inches, and the width from 40 to 47 inches; all sizes 
above this to be mentioned in detail for each pane, as 
only few sizes above 19 superficial feet are made. 

(3) Crown glass shall be measured at its extreme 
size, and described as best, second, third, fourth, or 
coarse quality; if wanted more than the usual thickness, 
the estimate to state the particular thickness desired, 
fractions to be dealt with as in sheet glass. In estimat¬ 
ing crown glass the contents of each pane shall be stated 
as under 2 superficial feet, and each foot thereafter up to 
5 feet; above 5 feet the size of each pane to be mentioned 
separately. 

(4) All ornamental glass (whether plate, sheet or 



40 builders’ and contractors’ guide 

crown) shall be measured for glass as already described, 
and the ornamentation thereon particularly detailed. 
Colored glass when over 6 inches broad shall also be 
measured for glass as already described by the superficial 
foot, but if only 6 or under 6 inches broad by the lineal 
foot, stating the breadth, and if ornamented, besides 
being colored, such ornamentation shall be particularly 
detailed. 

(5) Lattice work and glass shall be measured 
together, not by the pane, but in compartments or lights; 
each compartment or light shall be measured at its 
extreme size; and all fractional parts of inches shall be 
charged as full inches. Glass in tracery heads or the like 
shall be classed separately, and the price shall include for 
any moulds required. 

The prices for all lattice work shall include iron stiffen¬ 
ing rods and copper wire fixing, also pointing and paint¬ 
ing; the diameter of rods and their distance from each 
other to be specially described. 

(6) The glass in windows having small panes each 
containing under 2 superficial feet of sheet or crown glass, 
and separated only by astragals, shall be measured with¬ 
in the frames but over the astragals; any fractional parts 
at astragals not being allowed, but the fractions at frames 
dealt with as already described. 

(7) The cost of cutting glass to angle or circle shall 
be included in the price per foot; but as already provided 
for, such glass shall be classed separately. All bent 
glass shall be classed separately, and the price shall include 
for any moulds required. The price of glass in all cases 






TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


41 


shall include priming, puttying with pins, catches, and 
work glazing. 

(8) All estimates for glazing shall contain the follow- 
ing entry for replacing and cleaning glass to be priced 
and extended by the contractor as part of the agreement: 
“Allow for replacing all broken glass and leaving the 
work clean and perfect at the completion of the building.” 

(9) Where painting is included with the glazing, 
the measure shall be the same as glazing. 




RULES FOR THE MEASUREMENT OF SLATER 

WORK 


\ 


Size, quality, and cover of slates shall be explicitly 
described. All quantities shall be made up from the net 
sizes, with the following allowances added to the quantity, 
and charged by the superficial yard. 

Circular and upright work shall be measured net, and 
classed separately, with the following allowances added to 
the quantity: 

9 inches at eaves. 

18 inches at angled eaves. 

4 Yz inches at skews. 

9 inches at angled skews. 

18 inches at ordinary hip rafters. 

27 inches at close cut hip rafters. 

27 inches at hip rafters where the roll only is exposed, 
and the lead is under the slates. 

27 inches at ordinary open or close valleys. 

9 inches at angled ridges. 

All voids in slating at chimney stalks and sky windows 
under 22superficial feet shall not be deducted, but none 
of the foregoing allowances shall be added thereat. All 
such openings at or above that area shall be deducted net, 
and the usual allowances given. Joining of slates on old 
and new roofs shall be described and charged as a sepa¬ 
rate item. 

Felt under slates shall be measured all same as slating, 

42 







TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


43 


including the same allowances, and the overlaps to be 
described. 

Pointing raggles shall be measured by the lineal foot. 

Pointing skews and tiftings shall be measured by the 
lineal foot. 

Tile Work 

Size, quality and gauge of tiles shall be explicitly 
described. All quantities shall be made up from the net 
sizes and charged by the superficial yard. Circular and 
upright work shall also be measured net and classed sep¬ 
arately. All voids in tiles at chimney stacks and sky 
windows under 22/4 superficial feet shall not be deducted, 
but no eave tile or skew tile allowance shall be given 
thereon. 

Eave tiles shall be described and measured by the 
lineal foot for full value. 

Skew tiles shall be measured by the lineal foot for 
extra value over plain tiles. 

Angled or cut tiles at hip rafters and valleys shall be 
measured by the lineal foot for extra value over plain 
tiles. 

Hip tiles, valley tiles and ridge tiles shall be measured 
by the lineal foot for full value. 

Tile finials shall be described and enumerated. 

Making templates for all tile work shall be charged a 
separate item. 

Felt under tiles shall be measured all same as tiles 
without any allowances, and overlaps to be described. 

Chimney pots shall be described and enumerated. 

Repairing slates or tiles after all other tradesmen are 



44 builders’ and contractors’ guide 

finished, cleaning out gutters and removing rubbish, shall 
be charged a separate item. 

Upholding roofs shall be described and charged a sep¬ 
arate item. 

Rough casting shall be measured net by the superficial 
yard. 

Arrises at corners and ingoings to openings, etc., shall 
be measured by the lineal foot for extra labor. 

Cleaning of dressings shall be described and charged 
separately. 

Lime and cement washing shall be measured all as 
described for rough casting. 

The foregoing rules shall be applicable to the meas¬ 
urement of all work, whether materials and workmanship 
are wholly or only partially furnished by the contractor, 
and also to all partial or sub-contracts. Any items not 
mentioned shall be measured and described in conformity 
therewith. 









RULES FOR THE MEASUREMENT OF 
PLUMBER WORK 

Sheet lead to be measured and calculated so as to 
bring out the net weight, and charged per hundred¬ 
weight, according to the following classification: 

I. Platforms with rolls. 

II. Gutters. 

III. Valleys, ridges and hip rafters. 

IV. Aprons, flashings and flanges. 

V. Aprons stepped as for brick work. 

VI. Drip boxes. 

VII. Domes, turrets, belfries and such like. 

Extra labor working lead to wood mouldings to be 
charged separately. 

Soldering pipes to flanges to be described and enu¬ 
merated. 

Zinc on roofs to be specified by weight, charged by the 
superficial foot, and classed similarly to lead. 

All soldered joints of zinc to be charged by the lineal 
foot. 

Zinc rolls to be described, stating girth and charged 
by the lineal foot. Ends and intersections to be described 
and enumeiated, and charged for extra material and 
labor. 

All iron eave gutters to be measured net and charged 
by the lineal foot, the slips and clips to be added to the 

length. 

45 







46 builders’ and contractors’ guide 

Angles, ends and outlets to be described and charged 
separately. 

The prices of all iron rones, gutters and connections 
to include for all labor and materials in bolting, jointing 
and fixing. 

Cast iron pipes to be charged by the lineal foot, slips 
being added to the length; where airtight or watertight 
joints are required, these to be described. 

All connections, such as cistern heads, offsets, bends, 
shoes, and branches to be described and charged 
separately. 

Pipe ears, whether cast on or loose, to be described 
and charged separately, and price to include fixtures. 

All special castings to be particularly described or 
shown by sketch. 

Malleable iron pipes to be described as for steam, 
water or gas, and charged by the lineal foot, the price to 
include for screwed ends and straight couplings. 

All other connections and bends to be enumerated and 
charged separately. 

Lead pipes to be described and charged by the lineal 
foot. 

Bends on pipes over one and a half inch bore to be 
enumerated and charged for extra labor. 

Wiped solder joints of branches to be enumerated and 
charged for extra material and labor. 

Soldered stop ends of pipes to be enumerated. 

Cast or sheet lead wings where required, to be 
described and charged extra over holdfasts. 

Copper pipes to be described and charged by the lineal 
foot. 



TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


47 


Bends on pipes to be enumerated and charged for 
extra labor. 

All brass connections to be enumerated and distinctly 
described as with or without couplings. 

The prices of all pipes and connections to include for 
holdfasts and fitting up. 

Sheet lead lining cisterns and baths to be charged per 
hundredweight, and where not otherwise described, these 
to be understood to have wiped soldered or burned joints. 

Zinc lining cisterns to be described and charged per 
superficial foot, and price to include soldered joints. 

Iron, copper, plate zinc, or other cisterns for water- 
closets and such like, to be described and enumerated. 

Supply, overflow, and discharge fittings to be described 
and enumerated. 

Water-closets with connections and fittings to be fully 
described and enumerated. 

Safes to be described and charged separately, weight 
and sizes to be stated. 

Baths, wash-hand basins, foot pails, sitz baths, sinks, 
and wash tubs to be described, and sizes to state whether 
outside or inside measure. 

All fittings to be separately detailed. 

All measurements shall be net, and the sizes stated 
for pipes and cocks shall be inside diameter. 

The prices shall be held to include for all materials, 
tools, plant, carriage, and every other expense requisite 
for preparing, making, fitting and fixing on the job, and, 
where required, for giving the necessary notices to the 
local authority for having the water laid on, and attend 
ance upon the officials thereat. 




48 


builders’ and contractors’ guide 


An item to be inserted in schedule for attending sani¬ 
tary authorities while testing soil and other Dipes, and 
making good all defects to their entire satisfaction. 

The foregoing rules shall be applicable to the meas¬ 
urement of all work, whether materials and workmanship 
are wholly or only partially furnished by the contractor, 
and also to all partial or sub-contracts. Any items not 
expressly mentioned shall be measured and described in 
conformity therewith. 




RULES FOR THE MEASUREMENT OF 
PLASTER WORK 

Deafening 

Plaster, ashes or composition forming deafening 
between joists, also plaster deafening standard partitions, 
shall be measured by the superficial yard on the net area 
of floor or partitions deafened. 

Plaster 

Every description of plaster and cement work shall 
be measured net on the finished surface, without the addi¬ 
tion of any allowance whatever. Circular, coved, groined 
and domed work, also rounded plaster on backs of steps 
and plaster work at repairs, shall be described and 
classed separately. The measurement of plain plaster 
shall include the surface behind all mouldings, and behind 
plaster, cement or wood skirtings; though these surfaces 
have not received a finishing coat. The measurement of 
plain cement shall include the surfaces behind cement 
mouldings and skirtings, but not those behind wood 
skirtings. 

The cost of cutting out and preparing old plaster for 
junction with new work shall be included in the price for 
new plaster at repairs without allowance. 

Patches under two superficial yards shall not be 
included with larger patches, but shall be classed sepa¬ 
rately, or charged at jobbing rates where they do not 
form the .subject of a special agreement. 

49 




50 builders’ and contractors’ guide 

All work shall be measured by the superficial yard, with 
the exception of diaper work, Keene’s cement, and ce¬ 
ment hearths, which shall be measured by the superficial 
foot. 

All mouldings shall be measured by the lineal foot at 
the extreme length of each stretch, thus adding all pro¬ 
jections. 

Impost cornices, cornices run at obtuse angles, such as 
along camp ceilings, and all mouldings to match old work, 
shall be described and classed separately. 

Astragal and architrave mouldings, whether run along 
with cornice or not, shall be charged separately. 

All external, internal, obtuse or acute miters on 
mouldings, butt and splayed ends, also joinings with old 
mouldings, shall be enumerated and charged separately. 
The breadth and depth of all mouldings shall be stated. 

Friezes, bands and rails shall be described as plain, 
raised, arrised, or moulded, and charged by the lineal foot. 
Miters on arrised or moulded work shall be enumerated 
separately. 

Paneled soffits of beams may be measured in detail, or 
described and charged by the lineal foot of beam. 

Enrichments in mouldings shall be described and meas¬ 
ured by the lineal foot at their net lengths, irrespective 
of the length of the moulding in which they occur. The 
miters shall be enumerated separately. 

Enrichments to match old work shall be classed sepa¬ 
rately. 

Capitals,, center flowers, corner, and other ornaments 
shall be described and enumerated. 







TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


51 


Unless otherwise provided, all ornaments to be 
selected from plasterer’s stock. 

A sum shall be charged for each ornament specially 
modelled, irrespective of the quantity used. On the pay¬ 
ment of any model it shall belong to the proprietor, and 
must not be again used without his architect’s consent. 

Bases and skirtings shall be described and charged by 
the lineal foot. All external and internal angles shall be 
enumerated separately. Cement pugging behind wood 
skirtings shall be described and charged by the lineal foot, 
and if extra over plaster the same shall be stated. 

No charge shall be made for internal angles at any 
description of plain work, except for diagonals at camp 
ceilings which shall be charged by the lineal foot. 

External angles shall be measured by the lineal foot, 
describing whether they are relieved timber beads, 
rounded corners, plain arrises, splays, beads, or mould¬ 
ings and whether wrought in plaster or cement work. 

Miters and stops at plaster beads, splays, and mould¬ 
ings shall be charged separately. 

Columns, pillars and pilasters shall be measured 
between base and capital, fillets at bottom or top being 
part of shaft. 

They shall either be described and charged by number, 
or be measured by the superficial foot; fillets, arrises, 
and flutes being charged separately. 

The bedding and pointing of windows shall be charged 
per window, those having mullions or transoms being 
classed separately. 

Mending all damaged or broken plaster at new work, 


52 builders’ and contractors’ guide 

except repairs caused by alterations, also removing rub¬ 
bish and furnishing all moulds required, shall be provided 
for in schedules as a special slump sum item, and shall 
not be charged at jobbing rates. 

All scaffolding shall be provided by the contractor for 
wright work; but the contractor for plaster work shall 
without charge set up and shift ordinary scaffolding 
planks, tresses, etc. 

The prices for all work shall be held to include supply¬ 
ing materials, water, tools, rods, and labor necessary for 
its completion. 

The foregoing rules shall be applicable to the measure¬ 
ment of all work, whether materials and workmanship are 
wholly or partially furnished by the contractor, and also 
to all partial or subcontracts. Any items not expressly 
mentioned shall be measured and described in conformity 
therewith. 




RULES FOR MEASUREMENT OF 
PAINTER WORK 


In all cases the work shall be explicitly described, 
giving, where required, the sizes, girth or breadth, also 
stating the number of coats and whether finished plain or 
in shades, in oil, flat or varnish. When in more than two 
shades the number shall be stated. 

Imitations shall have the number of coats of ground 
and varnish stated. 

Fine colors and extra kinds of varnish shall be 
specially mentioned. 

All quantities shall be made up from the net sizes, the 
extra measurement for circulars, beads and mouldings of 
woodwork being added where they occur. 

All glass in panes exceeding 18 inches wide and 4/4 
feet superficial shall be deducted, less an allowance of 
4^4 inches for cutting round same. 

An allowance of 1/4 inches for cutting shall be given 
to the more expensive work at joining of different kinds 
of painter work where both are charged by superficial 
measurement, as also to painter work at joining with ex¬ 
isting paper hangings. 

The plain surface of ceilings shall be measured net, 
and charged by superficial yard. 

Cornices shall be charged by lineal foot, stating girth 
and number of shades and describing enrichments. 

Picking in, illuminating and gilding enrichments in 

53 





54 builders’ and contractors’ guide 

cornices shall be charged separately by lineal foot, but 
space ornaments may be enumerated. 

In making out estimates, the gold for hatching enrich¬ 
ments may be charged by the book. 

Colored and gold lines shall be charged by lineal foot. 

Beams, ribs and panel mouldings on ceilings shall 
be charged by lineal foot as described for cornices. 

Friezes and astragal mouldings on ceilings will gen¬ 
erally be included in girth of cornices, but on walls they 
shall be kept separate, and charged by lineal foot, as 
described for cornices. Center flowers and detached ceil¬ 
ing ornaments shall be enumerated. 

Picking in, illuminating and gilding shall be charged 
separately. 

The plain surfaces of walls shall be charged by the 
superficial yard. 

Woodwork generally, whether bound or plain, shall be 
charged by the superficial yard. Panels or other mould¬ 
ings in special colors shall be charged by the lineal foot. 

Bases, surbases, beltings, etc., when detached or 
painted differently from the adjoining works, shall be 
charged by lineal foot. 

Sashes in extra small panes shall be charged separately 
by the superficial yard. 

Timbers of roof couples shall be charged separately 
by the superficial yard. 

Mantel-pieces shall be enumerated. 

Colored bands under 24 inches broad, forming friezes, 
dados, stiles of panels, or grounds for decorations, shall 
be charged separately by the lineal foot. 





TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


55 


Colored or gold lines, imitation mouldings formed of 
lines, and running decorative ornaments, shall be charged 
by the lineal foot. Detached decorative ornaments shall be 
enumerated. 

Circled bands and decorations, also bands and decora¬ 
tions on circled groundwork, shall be charged separately. 

Circled corners or miters on imitation mouldings shall 
be enumerated. 

Decorative work on panels, etc., may be enumerated 
or charged by superficial foot. 

Lines for imitation ashlar, marble slabs, or planked 
woodwork shall be described with and included in price 
for same. 

The prices of all lines and decorative work shall 
include striking out. 

Iron railings shall be described as plain or ornamental, 
and measured on both sides by the superficial yard. 

Intermediate dwarf balusters shall be measured extra 
on both sides. 

Rods and pipes shall be charged by lineal foot. 

Bolt heads, washers, brackets, hinges, locks and 
similar items shall be enumerated. Iron beams and 
similar work above 18 inches in girth shall be charged by 
superficial yard, and up to 18 inches in girth by the 
lineal foot. 

Iron columns shall be described and enumerated. 

Papers, also sizing for and hanging same, shall be 
described separately, and charged by the piece, but in 
making out estimates sizing and hanging may be charged 
by the net superficial yard. 





56 builders’ and contractors’ guide 

Paper friezes, dados and borders, also hanging same, 
shall be charged by lineal yard. 

Canvas and scrim cloth shall be charged by superficial 
yard, including tacks and putting on. 

All miters shall be enumerated. 

Imitation marbles shall be charged by superficial foot. 

Columns and pilasters may be described and 
enumerated. 

Outside work shall be kept separate, and described to 
show where ladders are likely to be required 

Windows shall be enumerated. 

Special designs for decorative work ordereu by the 
proprietor or architect, and prepared by the painter, shall 
be made a separate charge. 

Puttying and preparing new work before painting 
shall not be charged, unless by special agreement made 
before the work is begun. Washing, polishing, puttying, 
scraping or burning off old paints, stripping papers and 
other similar work, shall be made a separate charge, 
including time and materials. 

Time and use of materials where required for covering 
floors, chimney-pieces, etc., to protect them from paint 
spots during operations, shall be an extra charge. 

Washing floors when ordered before commencing or 
after finishing work shall be an extra charge. 

Carriage of materials to country jobs shall be included 
in prices. 

Allowance for country wages shall be included in 
prices. 

The prices shall include for supplying all ordinary 


TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


57 


plant, but special or gabbert scaffolds shall be an extra 
charge. 

A charge for overtime shall be allowed when contract 
work is ordered by the proprietor or architect to be done 
before or after the usual working hours. 

The foregoing rules shall be applicable to the meas¬ 
urement of all work, whether materials and workmanship 
are wholly or only partially furnished by the contractor, 
and also to all partial or sub-contracts. Any items not 
express^ mentioned shall be measured and described in 
conformity therewith. 


METHODS OF MEASURING 


In the former part the rules for measuring the 
different kinds of artificers’ work have been given, and 
now we have to consider the method of carrying them out 
in practice. In doing so we may state that we do not 
intend to touch upon the quality of materials, nor of the 
component parts which are comprised in their manufact¬ 
ure, but solely to adhere to the elucidation of the method 
employed in measuring the various departments of work. 
A vast amount of valuable information of great assist¬ 
ance to the estimator can be had from “The Estimator’s 
Handbook and Guide” by Mr. Fred T. Hodgson, which 
would be of service in pricing the various items. 

In taking off the quantities from the plans, the same 
method should be carried out, as described for meas- 
uring completed work, but it is very essential that the 
estimators should have a thorough knowledge of building 
construction and be able to descrit: mi.TCtdy and ex¬ 
plicitly every item, so that there ma; fiO-t - - any ambiguity 
as to the meaning of same. 

The instruments commonly used in measuring the 
various works are, a 6-foot rod, a 3-foot rule, and a 
50-foot or 60-foot tape line. It is necessary also to have 
a book to mark down the measurements—preferably 
one of an oblong shape, and lined off thus, so that it may 
be easily held in the hand; 






TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


59 


FORM OF DIMENSION BOOK 



DIMENSIONS 



2-0 

Rubble front wall. 

47-0X30-0 



Rubble projection of cornice 

4^X47-0Xl-0 



Rubble projection of string 




course... 

2^X47-0X0-6 



Ded. 6 wns.....each 

4-OX 8-0 



1 door... 

3-6 X 6-0 

















METHOD OF MEASURING MASON WORK 

(l) Foundations are measured thus: 

WEST 


% 

Cl 

Os 



8 

* 

I 




east. 

2'0" rubble foundation for south or front wall. .50-0X1-0= 5-5-0 
2'0" rubble foundation for north or back wall . .50-0X1-0= 5-5-0 












TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


61 


2'0" rubble foundation for east gable.18-0X1-0= 2-0-0 

2'0" rubble foundation for west gable.18-0X1-0= 2-0-0 

Superficial yards 15-1-0 

Foundations of cube stones measured thus: 

Cube stone in foundation of walls.36-0X1-0X1-0=36-0 

(2) In measuring rubble work the full thickness of 
wall is taken including the face work. The exceptions 
you will find in rule No. 2 of the mason work. The fol¬ 
lowing is an example how to measure a stone wall 
2'0" thick: 

2'0" rubble building of front wall. 67-0X42-0 

2'0" rubble building of projection of moulded 

course.4" X 67-OX 0-6 

2'0" rubble building of projection of plinth.. .3"X67-0X0-6 

Deduct 1 door. 4_0x7-0 

2 windows.each, 3-6 X 6-6 

2 windows..each, 3-6X5-6_ 

Superficial yards 

The rules Nos. 3 to 8 inclusive require no elucidation. 

(9) Principal stones are measured thus: 

1 principal stone.2-10x1-6X1-0=4-3 

1 principal stone.3-0Xl-8\l-0=5-0 

Cubic feet 9-3 

Stones more than 24 inches in breadth and the breadth 
of which exceeds twice the thickness, shall be measured 
by the superficial foot and classed according to their 
thickness and contents, thus: 

12" stone in arch over door.2-OX2-2 = superficial feet 4-4 

Stones other than these two classes, and above 
14 inches by 9 inches, shall be measured by the lineal foot, 
and classed according to breadth and thickness, and 

according to length where it exceeds 4 feet, thus: 

15X10 stones in 4'6" lengths. 3 each, 4-6=lineal feet 13-6 


























Fie . 4 - 


62 


builders’ and contractors’ guide 




**‘i*-* 

• 

I 

I 


o. 


I 
I 
I 
I 

• 

■*¥** IT 
I 

f 
« 

I 
I 
I 

J 




O. 


i 


0. 

o. 


-V o'—* 


(10) Polished hewing of prin¬ 
cipal stones in arch over door. 

10-0X2-6 superficial feet. .25-0 

Measure return of moulded work 
thus at extremes: 

Moulded belt course .31-0 

Forming 4 mitres on belt 
course. 

Forming 2 moulded ends. 

(11) 14X9 stones over door¬ 

way in 4 ' 6 " lengths, girth of hewing 
30 inches. 2 each, 4-6=9-0 

(18) Chimney stacks to be 
girded thus: 

Polished ashlar, of chimney 

stack.16-0X9-0 

Deduct brick. 6-0X1-6 

18"X6" polished moulded cor¬ 
nice in 3'0" lengths, girth 

of hewing 30".2 each, 7-0=14-0 

2 each, 3-0= 6-0 




Lineal feet 20-0 























TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


63 



6" Ashlar newel.12-OX 10-0=superficial feet 120-0 

Polished hewing on ashlar newel, 25-OX 10-0=supreficial fee t 250-0 

(23) Pavement to be measured thus: 

7-0X3-0 —21-0 

Cutting at angle.lineal fee t 6-0 

ORDER OF ARRANGEMENT 

Note. —Copy estimates in following order, viz.: 

The excavator, mason, brick, iron and steel works, 
see page 64. 

The carpenter and joiner works, page 122. 

Slater work, see page 100. 

Lather and plaster works, page 101. 





















64 


builders' and contractors' guide 


Plumber work, page 103- 
Tile linings, page 106. 

Painter work, page 107. 

Methods of measuring, page 58. 

Method of measuring mason work, page 60. 

Method of measuring brick work, page 77. 

Method of measuring carpenter and joiner work, 
page 82. 

Method of measuring glazier work, page 93. 

Method of measuring slater work, page 95. 

Method of measuring plaster work, page 97. 

Method of measuring plumber work, page 103. 
Method of measuring painter work, page 107. 

Form of measurement for mason and brick works, 
etc., page 110. 

Form of measurement for plaster work, page 137. 
Form of measurement for plumber work, page 139. 
Form of measurement for tile lining, page 142. 

Form of measurement for painter work, page 143. 
Notes on various works, page 147. 

Forms in note book, page 168. 

The following is an example of making out an esti¬ 
mate for the excavator, mason, brick, iron and steel 
works of tenements and shops. 

Excavations and Foundations 

Excavating earth in area and trenches for 
foundations, the stuff to be carted away, 

cubic yards.;. 1,400-0-0 

Foundations under outer walls and gables, of 
concrete, composed of four parts granite 
broken to pass through a l^-inch mesh. 





TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


65 


to one part sharp sand and one part best 

fresh Portland cement.cubic yards 144-0-0 

Brick work in foundations, thoroughly well 
packed and grouted with thin lime mortar, 

cubic yards. 40-0-0 

Hammer dressed stone foundations of iron 
pillars, 3'0" square and 14" thick, bedded in 

lime mortar.cubic feet 94-6 

Hammer dressed stone foundations of iron 
columns, average 3'-0"-2'-0" and 14" thick, 

bedded in lime mortar .cubic feet 42-0 

Droved hewing on top of foundations, sq. feet 1TM) 

Bedded sole-plates of 9 iron pillars in pure Portland cement 
grout. 

Rubble seats under 6 hearths, each about 2'0" high. 
Building temporary office for clerk of works, having 9" brick 
walls lO'O" square inside, chimney stack, fireplace and grate, and 
supplying coals complete. 

Walls to Level of Surface 

Note.— The walls are measured net for rubble work, 
the daylight size of openings, also thin parts of walls 
(except at vents) deducted, the hewn work and cube 
stones charged separately for extra value unless where 
mentioned to include building. 

2'0" Rubble walls of large size material, built in regular 
and level courses with Portland cement, having through 
bond headers in every course not more than 5' apart, 

square yards. 72-0-0 

l'lO" Rubble wall north gable of large size material, built 
in regular and level courses with Portland cement, hav¬ 
ing through bond headers in every course not more 


than 5' apart.square yards 5-0-0 

Hammer dressed out and inbond corners of back wall in 

stones 24"long and 12" thick on head.lineal feet 5-0 

1^4" Freestone pavement damp course, all sawn on joints 


and laid in breadths, the full thickness of walls on bed 
of Portland cement mortar including leveling walls, 

square yards. 146-0-0 

V/i" Freestone pavement damp course, on dwarf partitions 

9" broad.lineal feet 234-0 





















66 BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS GUIDE 


Piers of Shop Front 

Cube stone piers, well dressed on beds and joints, in¬ 


cluding building.cubic feet 

Striped hewing on sides.square feet 

Checked hewing on sides.square feet 

Polished plain hewing.square feet 


Labor working polished splays 3" broad on bases.lineal ft 

Extra for 8 miters on splays.._ 

Extra for moulding under trusses at top of shafts, includ¬ 
ing extra size of stone and hewing.lineal feet_ 

Labor working 8 polished moulded and fluted trusses, as 

per drawings..._ 

Labor raising and setting 6 cast iron double columns, 

each about 12 feet high, of shop front ._ 

Labor raising and setting 9 circular pillars, each 12 feet 

high, with sole and top plates ._ 

Labor raising and laying cast iron L and X beams lin. ft L 
Labor raising and laying cast iron box-beams, lin. ft. 


266-0 

168-0 

18-0 

120-0 

10-0 


8-0 


147-0 

27-0 


Rubble Walls above Surface Level 


2'0" rubble front wall.superficial yards 240-0-0 

2'0" rubble back wall.superficial yard s 230-0-0 

riO" rubble north gable above brickwork, superficial yds 156-0-0 

1'6" rubble return wall at end.superficial yards 9-4-6 

1'3" rubble pediments on front wall_superficial yards 12-0-0 

1'0" rubble walls of oriels and at window bossings and 

wall presses.superficial yards 208-0-0 

Extra for hammer dressed squared rubble forming 

beveled frieze over shop front.superficial yards 24-0-0 

Hammer dressed scuntions of window bossings in 2'0" 

and 1'10" walls.lineal feet 255-0 

Hammer dressed scuntions of window bossings in 1'6" 

walls.lineal feet 6-0 

Hammer dressed openings at oriels.lineal feet 360-0 

Hammer dressed square scuntions of wall presses in 

1'10" gable.lineal feet 42-0 

Labor tying end of 1'6" wall into 18" brick wall, lineal feet 16-0 

Wall Dressings 

Cube stone cornice over shop front in stones 36" broad 

and 12" thick, well dressed on beds and joints, cubic ft. 336-0 
Polished plain hewing on beds and joints, .superficial feet 168-0 























































TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


67 


Polished moulded hewing on beds and joints, superficial ft. 178-0 
Labor mitering and returning upper and lower members 

of cornice at top of 4 stone piers.. 

16"X8" polished plain sill course above cornice, girding 


17", lineal feet. 48-0 

16"Xl5" polished plain sill course serving as window 

sills, girding 31" in stones 6'3" long.lineal feet 19-0 


Extra material and labor forming 4 semi-circled and 

moulded pediments each 33"X12" on face over trusses_ 

Labor perforating cube stone for conductors . .lineal feet 52-0 
10"X6" polished moulded sill course, girding 14", lineal ft. 58-0 
18"XC" polished moulded sill course, serving as window 

sills, girding 28".lineal feet 18-0 

Labor perforating, mitering and returning sill course at 

4 conductors .. 

Extra for 2 circled pieces moulded sill course, including 

miters as per drawing ... 

4 polished moulded stones, 20"X15" on face, and pro¬ 
jecting 6", perforated, mitered and returned round con¬ 
ductors . ... 

Hammer dressed stone cornice at wall head 10" thick and 

33" broad, including building.superficial feet 77-0 

Hammer dressed stone cornice at wall head 10" thick 

21" broad, including building.superficial feet 174-0 

Polished moulded hewing on same.superficial feet 286-0 

2 plain stop ends .. 

40 miters of moulded cornice .. 

6 polished projecting stones at ends of cornice at sides of 
pediments, having peended face, including material, 

hewing and building as per drawing .. 

Labor cutting gutter in cornice.lineal fee t 127-0 

Labor perforating 4 drip holes in 10" cornice, 4 each ..._ 

Dabbed courses of front wall and north gable, 6" on bed 
and two courses in height of each rybat, having y 2 " 
droved margin round each stone, with the necessary 

headers.superficial feet 2250-0 

Dabbed out and inband corners in stones not less than 
24" long and 12" thick on head, with droved margins, 
girth of hewing 36".lineal fee t 68-0 






































68 


builders’ and contractors’ guide 


Dressings of Windows 

Droved out and inband back filleted rybats, in stones not 
less than 24" long, 12" thick on head and 13" high, 
having neatly dabbed tails and bead moulding on 
arris, girding in all 32", the price to include for ham¬ 
mer dressed beveled inside scuntions .lineal fee t 120-0 

13"X10" droved out and inband back filleted lintels, with 
neatly dabbed tails and bead moulding on arris, in 

single stones, from 6'0" to 6'9" long.lineal fee t 39-0 

13"X10" droved out and inband back filleted lintels, with 

frieze and astragal 18" deep in all.lineal feet 18-0 

Labor working 18 returns of moulded lintels for rybats ._ 

Labor working 9 returns for double moulded mullions .. 

Labor working 12 polished plain ends of back filleted 

lintels, each projecting one inch. 

Labor working 6 polished moulded and mitered lintels ..__ 

16" X7" polished moulded sills in stones about 6'6" long 

lineal feet. 19-6 

Labor working 6 polished, moulded and mitered return 

ends of sills.. 

7"X6" polished mullions hewn all round and having bead 
moulding on both arrises in stones from 6'3" to 6'9" 

long, including building...lineal feet 60-0 

3 polished moulded cornices each 6'9" long and 8" thick, 

projecting 6 inches in one stone, returned both ends ._ 

3 polished moulded cornices each 6'9" long, and 6" thick, 
projecting 6 inches in one stone, returned both ends.. 

3 polished moulded and scrolled coronas, each 6'0"X3'0" 
on face, and 10" on bed, in one stone and having 
moulded and pyramidical ornament in center as per 

drawing .. 

Carving in 12" letters “1895” on one stone, including 

extra size of stone.... 

Oriel Windows 

16"X15" polished plain sill course, girding 31", lineal feet 66-0 
18"X6" polishedmoulded sill course, girding 28", lineal ft. 180-0 

48 miters of sill course . 

Labor checking sill course for iron J. beams, and 


grouting with Portland cement.lineal feet 66-0 

Polished moulded cornices, girding 20" .lineal feet 102-0 





























TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


69 


24 mitres on cornices..__. 

13"X12" polished moulded lintels, girding 24". .lineal feet 198-0 
Labor working 72 returns of moulded lintels for rybats 

and mullions .. 

12" polished ashlar dados.square feet 336-0 

Polished out and inband projected jambs in stones 
30"X12" and 20"X15" alternately, with bead moulding 

on arris, girding in all 30".lineal fee t 237-0 

12"X12" polished angular mullions in stones from 6'3" to 
6'9" long, girding 34", with bead moulding on both 
arrises .lineal feet 237-0 

Dressings of Back Wall, North Gable and Return 

Extra for outside of back wall, etc., being of fairly squared 
work—no stones less than 3" high and all stones at least twice 
their height in length, fairly dressed where exposed, with level 
beds and plumb joints, trowel pointed while being built, and 
the joints to be afterwards raked out at least one inch deep, 
pointed with Arden lime and key drawn—openings and dress¬ 
ings deducted. 

N. B.—The pointing to be done at such time as the en¬ 
gineer may appoint and the price to include for 

scaffolding.superficial yards 350-0-0 

Out and inband corners in 2'0" and 1T0" walls, having 
2*4" droved margins and neatly hammer dressed tails, 

the stones not less than 20"X10".lineal feet, 82-0 

Out and inband corners in 1'6" wall, having 2^" 
droved margins and neatly hammer dressed tails, the 

stones not less than 20"X10".lineal feet, 14-0 

16" X6" droved projected plinth at back wall head, lineal ft. 54-0 
Droved out and inband rybats in stones not less than 
20" X10", with 2^4" margins and neatly hammer dressed 
tails, price to include for hammer dressed beveled 
inside scuncheons in 1T0" and 2'0" walls — lineal feet 318-0 
Droved out and inband rybats in stones not less than 
20" X10", with 2*^" margins and neatly hammer dressed 
tails, price to include for hammer dressed beveled in¬ 
side scuncheons in 1'6" wall.lineal feet 8-0 

13"X10" droved checked lintels with 2^" margins and 

neatly dressed tails.lineal feet 128-0 

14"X6^4" droved projecting window sills, girding 22", 
lineal feet. 


120-0 





























builders’ and contractors’ guide 


70 


Brick Work 


18" brick gables with vents formed in brickwork 

(measured separately).square yards 860-0-0 

22" brick north gable up to level of stone, square yards 60-0-0 

14" brick back wall at staircases.square yards 280-0-0 

9" brick walls of back wings, built with Portland 

cement.square yards 380-0-0 

9" brick dwarf walls under sleepers.square yards 40-0-0 

\y 2 " brick partitions.square yards 2 170-0-0 

Plumbing plain scuncheons 14" broad.lineal feet 820-0 

Plumbing plain scuncheons 4J/4" broad.lineal feet 440-0 

Forming 36 openings for ventilation in A l / 2 " partitions 

at ends of beds as per plan.... 

Forming checks and plumbing scuncheons in 9" walls, 

lineal feet. 618-0 

Plumbing angles of walls.lineal feet 280-0 

Labor cutting 18" gable tops at angle, including for loss 

of material .... .lineal feet 84-0 

Labor cutting 14" gable tops at angle, including for loss 

of material. lineal feet 30-0 

Labor cutting 9" gable tops at angle, including for loss 

of material .lineal feet 21-0 

Extra for rounded brick at angles.lineal feet 1132-0 

Vents in brick gables, smoothly plastered with haired 

lime.lineal feet 1420-0 

9" brick building walls of ash pit, pointed with arden 
lime and key drawn on outside and flush pointed 

inside.superficial yards 21-0-0 

Cutting brick at skews.lineal feet 12-0 

Plumbing plain scuncheons 9" broad.lineal feet 11-0 

Plumbing external angles.lineal feet 26-0 

Slate slab breast of ash pit, including building, super, ft. 9-0 


Dressings of Brick Walls 

Facing wall of back wings with selected white facing 
brick having headers, neatly pointed with Portland 
cement and key drawn in joints on outside (for extra 

value over common brick).superficial yards 356-0-0 

Extra for forming semi-circular arch tops of 3 

openings each 3'0" span daylight in 9" brick walls..._ 












































TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


71 


11"X6" polished plain projected plinth on wall heads 

(including laying).lineal feet 60-0 

Polished plain hewing on 6 ends of plinth. 

11"X6" polished projected sills to windows.. .lineal feet 
11"X6" polished projected sills to windows, hewn on 

inner edge.lineal feet 

12"X9" polished checked lintels.lineal feet 

12" X9" polished checked lintels, hewn on inner edge, 

lineal feet. 

12"X9" polished checked semi-circled arched lintels, 
lineal feet. 


Chimney Stacks, Skews, etc. 

Polished ashlar chimney stacks on gables (price to 

include building) girded.superficial feet 

4 l / 2 " brick brigs.lineal feet 

Labor working splay on ashlar.lineal feet 

Labor working 56 peended stop ends of ashlar. 

Labor working astragal moulding on ashlar, including 

for extra size of stone...lineal feet 163-0 

Labor working 28 miters of same.. 

10"X6" polished moulded plinth, girding 12", including 

laying..lineal feet 202-0 

28 miters of plinth... 

24"X10" polished, moulded stone copes as per plan, 
dressed well on beds and joints, including hewing and 

building.lineal feet 78-0 

Polished, moulded and mitered hewing 14 return ends of 

stone copes.. 

Labor cutting vents through copes and socketing copes 

for 53 chimney pots. 

12"X6" polished, moulded and beveled label moulding, 

girding 14", including laying.lineal feet 54-0 

12"X6" polished, moulded and beveled circular label 

moulding.lineal feet 8-0 

1 polished projecting stone panel 7'0" broad and 8'6" 
high on extremes, the center part left rough for 
carver and having circled upper part, including cut¬ 
ting for and inserting panel into bottom of chimney 

stack, per drawing.. 

Carving on same as per drawing....... — 


35-0 

135-0 

33-0 

138-0 

53-0 


1780-0 

423-0 

108-0 












































72 


builders’ and contractors’ guide 


9 polished and moulded stone trusses under panel and 
bottom of chimney stalk, including building, as per 

drawing.. 

8 polished and moulded steps with polished breasts on 

north gable, as per drawing... 

2 polished and moulded terminals to north gable, as per 

drawing.. 

24 dabbed crow steps, average 15"X12" and 21" long, 
having l / 2 " droved margin all around, built with Port¬ 
land cement (including building) as per drawing-- 

3 dabbed crow steps, average 15"X12" and 33" long, hav¬ 

ing y 2 " droved margin all around, built with Portland 

cement (including building) as per drawing... 

6 dabbed corbels each 15"X12" and 30" long, with 
moulded ends and plain sides (including building), 

as per drawing... 

3 polished ornamental finials each 12" square at base 
and 39" high in all, with iron dowe;l and cement, 

including building, as per drawing.. 

12"X6" polished plain skews on main gables (includ¬ 
ing laying).lineal feet 84-0 

9"X6" polished plain skews on side walls of wings 

(including laying).lineal feet 27-0 

G polished club skews on main gables, having moulded 

outline on face (including laying) .. 

6 polished club skews on side walls of wings (including 

laying).. 

Extra for 9"X6" stone skews of wings, being kneed on 
top and hollowed on under side, as per drawing, 6 
each.. 

Chimney Jambs, Vents and Hearths 

18 sets hammer dressed covins and lintels for room 

fireplaces in brick gables, including oncomes. " 

33 pair polished kitchen chimney jambs each 18"X6" 

and 4'0" long... 

33 polished lintels each 12"XiO" and 4'0" long, hewn on 

both ends, and having hammer dressed oncomes__ 

4 y 2 Brick trimmer arches under room hearths, built 

with Portland cement.18 each_ 

4^' Brick trimmer arches under kitchen hearths, built 
with Portland cement.27 each_ 


































TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


73 


9 fire clay vent linings, grouted all round with lime 

mortar, in stone wall.lineal feet 90-0 

2/4" polished stone hearths of the best quality, laid on 

a good bed of lime.superficial feet 490-0 

Stairs and Pavement 

3" polished stone platts in shop doors, laid in lime, 

superficial feet. 

Labor working polished chamfered edge of platts. 

.lineal feet 

24 polished, moulded stone steps of stairs each 4'0" 

long, clear of 2 rests. 

12 polished winding steps of stairs from 4'0" to 5' 

10" long, clear of 2 rests. 

108 polished, moulded stone steps each 4'0" long, 

clear of 2 rests (rounded on back). 

27 polished moulded stone steps each 4'G" long, clear 

of 1 rest, returned on 1 end (rounded on back). 

Brick building under 3 first steps of stairs (if required) 

3 each.^. 

15 polished, moulded corbels each 18"X8"X6" under 

beams. 

10" polished perpend dados of shop windows and side L 
lights, including building, in stones from 3'0" to 6'0" 

long and l'O" deep.superficial feet 108-0 

Labor cutting polished perpend dados to slope of ground, 

lineal feet. 72-0 

Labor cutting and forming miters at 12 angles.. 

Single coat unfinished asphalt paving having 4" bottom¬ 
ing of freestone shivers, well beat down, under wood 

floors.superficial yards 390-0-0 

12"X8" new dressed freestone border, laid on flat, 

including laying.lineal feet 160-0 

Paving front footpath and back courts with concrete 5" 
thick, composed of four parts new, clean, hard 
burned brick, broken to pass through a V/ 2 " ring, 
one part clean, sharp gravel sand, and one part fresh 
Portland cement (all by measure) thoroughly mixed 
by being turned over twice before and twice after 
being watered with a water hose, and finished with 
granitic V/2" thick, in the proportion of equal parts 


48-0 

24-0 































74 


builders’ and contractors’ guide 


of crushed, sifted, and finely ground granite and 
Portland cement, rolled with roller, .superficial yards 
Paving water closets, lavatories and sculleries, also 
stair landings, closets, etc., with concrete 5" thick, 
composed of four parts new, clean, hard burned 
brick, broken to pass through a V/ 2 " ring, one part 
clean, sharp gravel sand, and one part fresh Portland 
cement (all by measure) thoroughly mixed by being 
turned over twice before and twice after being 

watered with a water hose, and finished with granitic 
V/ 2 " thick in the proportion of equal parts of crushed, 
sifted, and finely ground granite and Portland 

cement, rolled with roller.superficial yards 

Paving with concrete 4" thick on roof of ash pits, com¬ 
posed of four parts new, clean, hard burned brick, 
broken to pass through a V/ 2 " ring, one part clean, 
sharp gravel sand, and one part fresh Portland 
cement (all by measure) thoroughly mixed by being 
turned over twice before and twice after being 

watered with a water hose, and finished with granitic 
V/ 2 " thick, in the proportion of equal parts of 

crushed, sifted, and finely ground granite and Port¬ 
land cement, rolled with roller, including forming 


edges.....superficial yards 

Labor forming gutters in paving.lineal feet 


Labor forming 6 basins in paving. 

Labor forming moulded edges of stair landings, lineal feet 
2" second class freestone pavement, sawn on edges 
and jointed with Portland cement, covering drains, 
superficial yards. 

Cutting raggles V/ 2 " Xl" in brick walls for concrete 
paving.lineal feet 

Iron and Steel Works 

Note. —All iron work to be painted one coat red lead 
before being fitted up and included in price for 

same ... 

6 ca«t iron double columns of shop fronts, per draw¬ 


ings .hundredweights 

Cast iron L and X beams, per drawings, hundredweights 
Cast iron box beams, per drawings.hundredweights 


560-0-0 


230-C-0 


7-0-0 

236-0 


153-0 

42-0-0 

550-0 


114-0-0 

86 - 0-0 

25-0 
























TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


75 


12" X5" rolled steel beams weighing 42 pounds per lineal 

foot, in lengths about 17' .lineal feet 97-0 

10" X 6" rolled steel beams weighing 48 pounds per foot, 

in lengths about 15^'.lineal feet 93-0 

10"X6" rolled steel beams weighing 42 pounds per foot, 

in lengths about 17'.lineal feet 204-0 

10"X5" rolled steel beams weighing 28 pounds per foot, 

in lengths from 7' to 11'.lineal feet 448-0 

8"X6" rolled steel beams weighing 33 pounds per foot, 

in lengths from 11' to 15'.lineal feet 156-0 

6"X5" rolled steel beams weighing 23^ pounds per foot, 

lineal feet. 8-0 

5J4$ W X4^" rolled steel beams weighing 18 pounds per 

foot, in lengths under 10'.lineal feet 86-0 

5"X3" rolled steel beams weighing 10 pounds per foot, 

in 7'0" lengths.lineal feet 63-0 

6"X6"XJ/ 2 " rolled steel Tees in lO^' lengths, lineal feet 126-0 

3"X3"X24$" rolled steel T ees in 7'0" lengths.. .lineal feet 14-0 

5"X4}4" rolled iron beams weighing 23 pounds per 

lineal foot, in 6'0" to 9'6" lengths.lineal feet 311-0 

4"X3" rolled iron beams weighing 12 pounds per lineal 

foot, in lengths from 4'6" to 9'0".lineal feet 243-0 

Labor raising and laying rolled steel beams weighing 

42 pounds per lineal foot.lineal feet 301-0 

Labor raising and laying rolled steel beams weighing 

48 pounds per lineal foot.lineal feet 93-0 

Labor raising and laying rolled steel beams weighing 

33 pounds per lineal foot.lineal feet 156-0 

Labor raising and laying rolled steel beams weighing 28 

pounds per lineal foot ..lineal feet 448-0 

Labor raising and laying rolled steel beams weighing 

231^ pounds per lineal foot.lineal feet 8-0 

Labor raising and laying rolled steel beams weighing 

18 pounds per lineal foot..lineal feet 86-0 

Labor raising and laying rolled steel beams weighing 10 

pounds per lineal foot.lineal feet 63-0 

Labor raising and laying 6"X6"X>4" Tees-lineal feet 126-0 

Labor raising and laying 3"X3"X^6" Tees... .lineal feet 14-0 

Labor raising and laying rolled iron beams weighing 

23 pounds per foot.lineal feet 311-0 

Labor raising and laying rolled iron beams weighing 12 

pounds per foot.lineal feet 243-0 













































76 


builders' and contractors’ guide 


4" machine stone coddings, sawn on edges, under 

beams...superficial feet 23-0 

y% malleable iron circular stanchions of ground flat 
windows, run into stone at top and bottom with lead, 

lineal feet. 004-0 

2^" X Vi" malleable iron flat cross bars perforated for 

stanchions, and run in with lead.lineal feet 47-0 

6 iron clothes poles for courts, each 7'0" high with 
iron cross heads for rope, including fitting in with 
lead into stone... 


Conditions 

The whole materials to be of the very best quality, and the 
work done in the most complete and tradesmanlike manner to 
the entire satisfaction and directions of the proprietor and 
engineer, or any person appointed as inspector, who shall at all 
times be entitled to examine the work, and to reject or cause to 
be rejected all bad or defective materials or workmanship, but 
such examination shall in no way diminish, affect or impair 
the obligations of the contractor as regards the due and p.oper 
execution of the work in all respects. The proprietor and 
engineer reserve full power to make alterations on the flans 
or mode of executing the work, and to increase, lessen or 
altogether omit any such portions of the work as may be thought 
proper. 

The work will be measured when finished, and whether 
more or less than now estimated will be valued at the rates 
contained in this estimate, or others in strict proportion thereto, 
and in proportion to the slump sum of the Tender. The prices 
for extra work to which schedule rates do not apply to be 
revised and, if necessary, corrected by the measurer. 

The contractor to pay half expense of schedules and measure¬ 
ments. 

The proprietor may not accept the lowest or any offer. 

Tender 

Thomas Smith, Esq. 

Sir:—I hereby offer to execute the excavator, mason, brick, 
iron and steel works of tenements and shops which you propose 
to erect in Fifth avenue, according to plans thereof by Mr. James 
Thomson, civil engineer, now shown, in conformity with, and to 
the extent of the foregoing estimate for the sum of. 























METHOD OF MEASURING BRICK WORK. 


(l) Foundations measured thus: 

Brick work in foundation (taking average course) 2 each 

10-5X2-0Xl-0=cubic yards. 1-14-8 


r r 

IO' . 

o 

\ 

X 

• o’ . 

b* 

1 

_ 

1 o' 

io~ 

i 


F 16.€> . 


(2) Walls to be classed according to number of 
bricks in thickness, thus: 

18", 14", 9" or 4*4" thick. 

(5 and 6) 14" brick wall.18-OX 10-0 

14" brick projection of butts.2 each 4j4X2-0Xl0-0 

14" brick projection of cornice. 2^4x18-5X0-4 

Superficial yards. 

(7) 14" brick work in circular wall (measured round 

outer circumference) see fig. 8.16-0X20-0 





BUTT 


»8 o' 




BUTT 



Fior .7. 


(8) Deduct dayngnt size of all through openings from 
walls and charge separately plumbing scuncheons (or 
sides), stating thickness and height by lineal foot. 

77 

























78 


builders’ and contractors’ 


GUIDE 



F^iGr.S , 


(9) Plumbing scuncheons and forming checks of openings, 

2 each. 6-0 

18" brick wall.30-0X20-0=66-6-0 

Deduct 1 opening. 3-0X5-0=l-6-0 

Gothic arch over opening... 3-0X2-8— 0-8-0 

1 opening.3-0X5-0=l-6-0 

Semi-arch over opening, semi of 3-0 dia.0-3-6 

1 opening. 3-0X7-6X2-4- 6 7-1 -0 

Superficial yards 59-5-0 

In measuring gothic arched top take two-thirds for 
height—thus 4'0" high from spring of arch would be 2'8". 


In measuring semi-circle arches multiply half diameter 
by same, thus: 

Semi of 3-0 dia. 1-6 

1- 6 multiply 
1-6 

0-9 add 

2- 3 

3d multiply 
6-9 

_0-4 add 

2 ) 7-1 area of circle 

3'-6" area of semi-circle 


And multiply by 3 t. Area of semi circle, superficial 
feet. 

Plumbing scuncheons and forming checks of openings, 

4 each...5-0=20-0 

2 each.7- 6=15-0 

Lineal feet 35-0 
























TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


79 


Forming Gothic arch over 1 opening, one ring deep and 4y 2 " 

thick.lineal feet 9-0 

Forming semi-circular arch over 1 opening, one ring deep 

and 4 l / 2 " thick.lineal feet 10-6 

Forming 1 flat segmental arch over 1 opening, one ring 
deep and 4J4" thick.lineal feet 4-0 

(17) 9" brick work of chimney stalk.22-0X9-O ( 



(30) Steam boiler seats and flues shall be measured 
by the cubic yard. 


Brick building of boiler seat.25-0X6-0X8-0 

Deduct boiler....22-0X6-0 dia. 

Cubic yards 
































80 builders’ and contractors’ guide 



Fic\10 . 

Chimney stalks for furnaces to be measured round 
the outside face at the start of the various thicknesses, 
each being stated separately by the superficial yard or 
described and taken by the lineal foot. 

First Instance 

18" brick building of bottom part of circular chimney 

stalk, average....48-0X30-0 

14" brick building of circular chimney stalk above, 

average.44-0X20-0 



















TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


81 






Second Instance 

18" brick building of bottom part of circular chimney stalk, 
average 48' in circumference.lineal feet 30-0 











METHOD OF MEASURING CARPENTER AND 

JOINER WORK. 

(21) Safelintel over 1 door 8-0X9X6.cubic feet 3-0 

Safelintel over opening 13' long, 13-0X12X6 .. .cubic feet 6-6 
Safelintel over opening in circular wall, 4 pieces each 

6'-0"Xl0"-6".cubic feet 10-0 

(22) Taking delivery, carrying in, raising, staying, and 

racking 10 iron pillars each 12'0" high under beams... _ 

(23) 12" X6" sawn beam over opening .lineal feet 20-0 

Forming 2 scarves on sawn beam over opening. 

Labor working chamfers on beams, 2 each. 20-0= 40-0 

Forming 4 stop ends on chamfers.. 

Beads, mouldings and channels measured similar to 
chamfers. 

4^2"XI" wall plates under joists, including half checking 

at corners, 2 each. 40-0 

4"X2" sleeper joists placed 18" to centers, 20 each. 10-0 

9"X2" floor joists, 20 each.12-0= 240-0 

9"X2" diagonal joists, including cutting other joists on 

each side, 2 each.20-0= 40-0 

9"X3" bridles for joists, including dovetailing, morticing 

and tenoning, 2 each....6-0= 12-0 

(27) Solid dwangs betwixt joists, 2 each.30-0= 60-0 

Iron rods through joists, 2 each.30-0= 60-0 

4 screwed ends, nuts, heads and washers for iron rods... _ 



82 








































TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 83 

(28) Framed timbers in bound couples (including dove¬ 
tailing. morticing, and tenoning), 2 each.10-0= 20-0 


Working chamfers, beads or mouldings, 2 each ...10-0= _20-0 

2 iron straps and bolts for bound couples... 

Perforating timbers for 6 bolts.. 

Fitting and fixing iron work of 2 bound couples.. 

2"X2" purlins (including checking at main rafters), 10 

each.20-0=lineal feet 200-0 


Common or purlin spars of roof, 2 sides, each.30-0X10-0 

Common or purlin cuttings, 2 each. 15-0X 0-9 

Deduct at pediment.=6-0X5-0 


Superficial yards 


(32) 9"Xl Vi' ridgeboard of roof.lineal feet 30-0 

Flank plates at pediment, 2 each.15-0= 30-0 



(33) Ys" sarking on roof (same quantity as spar measure¬ 
ment) .*. 

54” sarking of circular roof..15-0X10-0 


































84 


builders’ and contractors’ guide 


(34) Balks are the timbers binding the spars, and 
the oxterpieces between the spars and ceiling joists. 







'1 















TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


‘35) 9"X3" platform joisting 

placed 18" to centers, 10 
each.8-0= 80-0 


(36) Boarding on top of platform 
joisting 15-0X8-0= superficial 

yards . 13-3-0 

Working bottle on edge. 

.lineal feet 46-0 

s/s" lining on soffit of roof projec¬ 
tion 10" broad.lineal feet 120-0 

Miters at angles, 4 each 1-3. 

.lineal feet 5-0 

50 cantilevers under roof projec¬ 
tions.. 

6"X54" facing on roof projec¬ 
tion.lineal feet 120-0 

4 miters on roof projection..... 


(38) Gutter boarding in valleys 
between roofs, thus:— 


Gutter boarding and bearers. 

.34-0X1-0= 3-7-0 

Gutter boarding and bearers addi¬ 
tional, 2 each.8-0Xl-0= 1-7-0 

Superficial yards 5-5-0 


Figt. V5 . 





































builders’ and contractors’ guide 


86 

(39) 3"X2" spars and bearers of snow staging, 150 each, 

2-0 .lineal fee t 300-0 

4"X2" top rail of roof light (including checking for 

astragals).lineal feet 56-0 

5"X2" bottom rail of roof light.lineal feet 56-0 

3"X2" end rails, 2 each, 6-0.lineal feet 12-0 

2"X2" astragals, checked on both sides for glass, 5 each, 

6-0.lineal feet 30-0 

V* 

I 
I 
I 
f 

f 

I 

I 

I 

I 
I 


*o 

i 

I 

l 

I 

» 

I 

I 

l 

I 

l 

i 

i 

I 










































TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


87 


(41) 2 hatchboards with finishings on roof.. 

2 service boards. . 

(42) 54 " boarding inside roofs.12-0X4-0 __ 

2"X2" bearers under boarding, 6 each.4-0= 24-0 

(43) Deafening boarding with fillets of floors, 3 each.30-0X25-0 

Deduct at stairopen.6-0X3-0 

9" partitions.120-0X0-9 


Superficial yards 



(44) Straps for lath on walls.64-0X10-0 

Deduct 1 window.2-0X6-0 

1 door.3-0X7-0 


Superfic ial yards 

Bracketing 3"X2" and 14" to centers enclosing beam.... 

.36-0X3-0=superficial yards 12-0-0 

3"X2" hangers from ceiling, 10 each.l-6=lineal feet 15-0 

(45) The prices for straps and grounds shall include the 
dooks or holdfasts driven into stone or brick work. 

(46) Standard partitions dividing rooms (the standards 

placed 14" to centers)..132-0X9-0= 132-0-0 

Deduct 3 doors.each 2-0X6-0=4-0-0= 4-0-0 

Superficial yards 128-0-0 
4"X2" runners and dwangs of partitions, 3 each..132-0= 396-0 

Deduct at doors 1-6-0. 6-0 

Lineal feet 390-0 











































88 builders’ and contractors’ guide 


(47) 3"X2" ribs forming coved ceilings, 250 each 

10-0=lineal feet. 2500-0 


(48) 3"X2" bracketing for mock arches under ceiling.. 

.30 each 3-0=lineal feet 90-0 

3"X2" bracketing for cornices placed 14" to centers. 

lineal feet. .... 60-0 


Note: The longitudinal grounds and dooks for 
bracketing shall be included in the price. 

(49) 15 blocks for gas pendants and brackets. . 

(50) 54" lath on ceilings, 3 each.120-0x10-0-= 400-0-0 

Deduct at stairopens .2 each 6-0X3-0=4-0-O 

Deduct 9" partitions.120-0X0-9=10-0-0 14-0-0 

386-0-0 

Add on walls.3 each 260-0X9-0 780-0-0 

1166-0-0 

Deduct 5 windows.each 3-OX6-0=10 -Imj 26-0-0 

6 doors.each 3-0X8-0=16-0-0 

Superficial yards 1140-0-0 

Lath on panelled ceilings.3 each 30-0X12-0= 120-0-0 

Deduct roof windows.6 each 2-0X3-0 4-0-0 

Superficial yards 116-0-0 

Lath on dome..'.10-0X9-0= 10-0-0 

1*4}" flooring on joists.3 each 120-0X10-0= 400-0-0 

Deduct stairopens .2 each 6-0X3-0=4-0-0 

9" partitions.120-0X0-9=10-0-0 14-0-0 

Superficial yards 386-0-0 

Traversing floors.superficial yards 386-0-0 

Labor butting flooring at reversed ends 6 each 10-0 lineal 

feet . 60-0 

3"X2" dwangs and bearers for flooring at borders.... 

.50 each 6-0 lineal feet 300-0 

Cutting and fitting flooring at 6 tile hearths. . 

Cutting and fitting flooring at 10 circular columns. . 

2 hatches in floors. . 

6 borders for tile hearths._.. . 

(52) 30 timber steps of stair, each 3-0 long including 

springboards, etc. .. 

3 timber steps of wheeling stair, average each 3'6" long 

on extremes, including springboards, etc. . 






















































TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


89 


(54) 4"X4" timber newall post.lineal feet 

12 turned ballisters of railing, each 3-0 high. 

6 timber pedestals, each 4"X4" and 3-0 high. 

12 iron balusters each l*4"Xlj4" including thin iron 

strap at top, of outside stair. 

4"X2" moulded cope of handrail.lineal feet 

1 scroll end of cope. 

(56) 10"Xll4" dressed sides of trap stairs.2 each 

23"X1*4" dressed steps, raggled into sides..5 each 4-0= 

(57) §4" white pine lining on ceiling.35-0X12-0 

54" white pine lining with grounds on walls. .94-0X10-0= 
Deduct at windows.6 each 2-0X4-0= 

Superficial yards 

Working beads on angles of ingoings.6 each 10-0= 

(58) 2*4" window sashes with cases and astragals, 

including pulleys, etc.9 each 3-6X6-2= 

Extra value for inside facings being broader than 4*4" 
broad.18 each 6-2 lineal feet 

(64) Extra for panelled or moulded facings opposite 

mullions .9 each 6-2= 

(65) 4"X2" dressed framing of 2 shop windows and 

sidelights, top and bottom rails.4 each 6-0= 

end rails.4 each 8-0= 

Lineal feet 

3"X2" dressed astragals.2 each 8-0= 

(66) 2" fixed sashes with astragals. 

.2 each 6-0X3-0 superficial feet 

3x2 frames for sashes.2 eachl8-0 

2X54 dressed checks.2 each 18-0 

(67) 2*4 2 windows each 3'0"X2'0" including frames 

and checks. 

(68) Extra for 6 windows having circled or pointed 

tops . 

(70) Fillets securing glass.2 each 18-0= 

(72) 1 y%" bound shutters with closers of windows.... 

.2 each 12-0X6-0 superficial feet 

1 bound linings of windows.4 each 2-0x6-0= 

iy% bound linings of soffits.2 each 10-6x2-0= 

Superficial feet 


6-0 


20-0 


10-0 

20-0 


104-4-0 

5-3-0 

99-1-0 

60-0 

194-3 

121-0 

55- 6 

24-0 

32-0 

56- 0 
16-0 

36-0 


36-0 

144-0 

48-0 

42-0 

90-0 





















































90 


builders’ and contractors’ guide 


6"X^6" dressed facings of windows.2 each 9-0 _ 

4^4"Xl" dressed architraves.2 each 9-0 _ 

2" staff beads. 2 each 9-0= 18-0 

3"X5/ 8 " margin stiles.2 each 9-0= 18-0 

3"X§4" dressed copes.2 each 6-0= 12-0 


Putting on ironmongery of 2 windows with shutters...._ 

3X2-2 pair frames for doors with fixtures. 

.4 each 6-0=lineal feet 24-0 

(77) 4 iron bolts or batts for fixing frames .. . 

(78) 8dooks for doorframes in brick,each 9" X4}/2" X3j4" 

(79) Grounds for lining in thick walls.2 each 6-0 

2" 2 bound doors having 4 panels with sunk planted 

mouldings.2 each 2-0X6-4 superficial feet 25-4 

Bound doors having circled or pointed tops shall be measured 
thus: 




(83) Beads covering tenons on edge of doors. 

•• .2 each 6-0 lineal feet 12-0 































TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 

(84) Rounding edges of doors (including hollowing 

frames).2 each 6-0 lineal feet 

(85) Bars on back of plain doors. .2 each 3-0 lineal feet 

(86) Fitting and hanging 2 doors. 

(87) 2 pair base blocks to doors. 

2 pair facings to doors.2 each 20-0= 

(88) Putting on ironmongery of 2 doors. 

10" Moulded base in room.lineal feet 

4 miters on moulded base in room. 

Scribing to mouldings at 1 mantelpiece. 

(90) 10" beaded bellboard with fixtures.lineal feet 

(92) 1" shelves in kitchen.150-0x1-0= 

10"Xl" shelves in kitchen.3 each 6-0=lineal feet 

Raggles and fillets under shelves . .6 each l-0=lineal feet 
6 open brackets under shelves. 

(94) 6 sparred bed bottoms and bearers. 

10"Xl" beaded bed stocks .6 each 6-0 lineal feet 

(97) ^4" Lining with grounds on walls of room. 

.36-0X4-6=superficial yards 

(98) Drawers in dressers, bottoms ...2 each 2-OX 1-6= 

sides and ends.2 each 7-0X0-6= 

Superficial feet 

(99) 3" X 54” spars forming shelves... 6 each 6-0=lineal 

feet . 

(100) Slips on edge of lining... .2 each 15-0 lineal feet 


3" X 54" coping.lineal feet 

Fillets and sliders fdr drawers.lineal feet 


(101) Cornices over shelves with blocks ... .lineal feet 

2 mitres on cornices. 

(102) 2 Moulds for marble tops.. 

Framed supports for 3 sinks. 

Framed supports for 3 basins. 

Framed supports for 3 water-closet seats. 

(103) 3"X2" framing under washing tubs. 

...3 each 3-0 lineal feet 


(104) ' Lining of bath-bottom...6-0X3-0= 

Lining of sides and ends.18-0X2-6= 


Superficial feet 


91 

12-0 

6-0 


40-0 


36-0 


40-0 

16-6-0 

18-0 

6-0 


36-0 


18-0-0 

6-0 

7-0 

13-0 

36-0 

30-0 

6-0 

10-0 

10-0 


9-0 

18-9 

45-0 

63-0 


































































92 


builders’ and contractors’ guide 


Sinks, cisterns, washing tubs, etc., to be measured 
similar. 


Cutting and rounding apertures for 2 closet seats. 

Cutting and rounding apertures for 2 basin tops. 

Fitting and hanging covers for 2 closet seats. 

French polishing seats..2 each 1-6X2-0 superficial feet 

10" pipe cover with grounds.2 each 10-0 lineal feet 

Checked and beaded grounds.2 each 6-0 lineal feet 

1" mahogany tops of counters. .20-0X2-0 superficial feet 
Rounding edge of counters.lineal feet 

(109) 2" bound front of counter. 

. 20-0X3-0 superficial feet 

(no) 3"X2" dressed framing of counters. 

top rails.2 each 20-0= 

standards.10 each 3-0= 

bottom rails...2 each 20-0= 

cross rails.20 each 2-0= 

lineal feet 

10" moulded base...lineal feet 

10 mitres on moulded base.. 

(114) 3"X3" dressed heel and head posts of trevice ... 
.6 each 6-0=lineal feet 

3"X5/ 8 " dressed spars of racks.10 each 6-0 lineal feet 

(115) 2" trevice division, dressed both sides 10-0x8-0.. 

Cutting division to curve.lineal feet 


< 



FlGf . 


6-0 

20-0 

12-0 

40-0 

22-0 


60-0 


40-0 

30-0 

40-0 

40-0 

150-0 

22-0 


36-0 

60-0 


14-0 












































METHOD OF MEASURING GLAZIER WORK 


Plate Glass 

In measuring glass the extreme size to be taken for 
waste of material, thus: 


F 1 1 ^ * 2.0 . 



Plate glass in window.4-0X6-6 

Grinding or polishing edges of plate glass, 2 each-6-C 

Forming polished chamfer 1" broad round edges of 
glass, 2 each.6-Q 











94 


builders’ and contractors’ guide 


Lattice Work 

Lattice work in compartments of windows: 

1-2-OX 7-6= 15-0 

1-3-OX 7-6= 22-6 

Superficial feet 37-6 






















METHOD OF MEASURING SLATER WORK 

Slater Work 


Slates on roof north side.28-6x24-0 

Slates on roof south side..28-6X30-0 

Slates on roof ends, 2 each.16-OX 6-0 

Allow at eaves.84-OX 0-9 

Allow for cutting at piends, 4 each.32-OX 1-6 

Allow for cutting at pediments, 4 each.24-OX 0-9 

Deduct at pediments, 2 each. 5-0x20-0 

Add on pediment roofs, 4 sides each.12-OX 5-0 

Allow for cuttings at pediments, 4 each.24-OX 0-9 


Superficial yards 


y*dOR’TU-L . 



• • 

SOOTK . 


Fie. §.2. . 

In measuring above roof average the eave with '* 4ar e 
thus: * 

21-0 

36-0 

Divide by 2 ) 57-0 
~ 28^6 


95 





























96 


builders’ and contractors’ guide 


Measure ends taking the length of eave by half height: 












METHOD OF MEASURING PLASTER WORK 


Begin at the upper floor of building, taking the ceil¬ 
ings and walls of each apartment, then the cornices and 
mouldings, center flowers or any other ornaments. Then 
each floor down, taking only the height of walls if apart¬ 
ments are divided off same as upper floor; thus saving 
the measurement of apartments; noting if any additional 
work or deductions are to be taken into account, thus; 

45-0 3 coats plaster on ceiling of east front 
bed-rooms in two upper floors, 

2 each. 12- 0X10-6 

35- 0 3 coats plaster on ceiling of west front 

bed rooms in two upper floors, 

2 each. 10- OX 7-6 

40-0 3 coats plaster on ceiling of east back 

bed rooms, 2 each. 12- OX 8-0 

36- 0 3 coats plaster on west back bed¬ 

rooms, 2 each. 10- OX 8-0 

156-0 3 coats plaster on walls of above 

rooms in two upper floors, 2 each .. 156- 0X10-0_ 

Deduct 4 front windows.each 3- 6X 8-0 

4 back windows.each 3- 6X 7-6 

8 doors.each 2-10X 7-0_ 

42-0 Add on ceiling of east front room in 

ground flat . 12- OX 9-0= 

35-0 Add on ceiling of west room in 

ground flat. 10- OX 7-6= 

39-0 Add on ceiling of east back room.... 12- OX 7-6= 

35-0 Add on ceiling of west back room... 10- OX 7-6= 

151-0 Add on walls of rooms ground flat . .151- OXlO-O_ 

Deduct 4 front windows.each 3- 6X 7-6 

4 back windows.each 3- 6X 7-6 

8 doors.each 2-10X 7-0_ 

Superficial yards 


97 
























98 


builders’ and contractors’ guide 


Cornices are taken at the extreme lengths and miters 
and projections are enumerated thus: 

7"X6" cornice of room.Jineal feet 39-0 

4 miters on cornice of room No. 1... 



Fig-. £4- 





















TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 99 

8*X6" cornice of room No. 2. 

Length of cornice taking the extreme points, thus: 

15-0 

20-0 

35-0 

2 Multiply. 

70-0 

6-0 Projections, add. 
Lineal feet 76-0 



Fig.^5, 

8 miters on cornice. 

1 center flower 3' diameter. 



































100 builders’ and contractors’ guide 

ESTIMATE OF THE SLATER WORK OF TENEMENTS 

AND SHOPS 

Slating roofs with best slates, three-fourths square 
dressed, bored V/2 from top, to have 3" of cover at 
eaves, gradually diminishing to 2" at ridge, put on 
with galvanized steel nails weighing 12 lbs. per thou¬ 
sand, every course to be double nailed with galvanized 
nails, and all to be properly bonded and shouldered 


with haired lime where necessary.square yards 720-0-0 

Cutting slates at angled skews.lineal feet 50-0 


Pointing raggles with best mastic and oil.. .lineal yards 108-0-0 
53 beaded fire clay chimney pots each 12" high, set and 

pointed with Portland cement._____ 

Repairing roofs after tradesmen are finished and 
upholding same for 12 months from date of comple¬ 
tion.. 

Conditions 

The whole materials to be of the very best quality and the 
work done in the most complete and tradesmanlike manner to 
the entire satisfaction of the proprietor and architect or that of 
any person appointed to inspect the work. 

The proprietor reserves full power to make alterations on 
the plans or mode of executing the work, and to increase, lessen 
or altogether omit any part of the work he may deem expedient. 

The work will be measured when finished and whether more 
or less be done than now estimated, the same will be valued at 
the rates contained in this estimate, or others in strict proportion 
thereto, and in proportion to the slump sum in tender. The 
prices for extra work to which schedule rates do not apply to be 
revised, and if necessary corrected by the engineer. The con¬ 
tractor to pay half expense of schedules and measurements. 

The proprietor does not bind himself to accept the lowest or 
any offer. 

Tender 

Thomas Smith, Esq. 

Sir: — I hereby offer to execute the slater work of the tene¬ 
ments and shops which you propose to erect in Fifth avenue 
according to plans thereof by Mr. James Thomson, civil 
engineer, now shown, in conformity with and to the extent of 
the foregoing estimate for the sum of. 

Your acceptance of this offer will be binding on 

Your obedient servant 













TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


10i 


ESTIMATE OF LATHER AND PLASTER WORKS 

9deths best Baltic split lath on ceilings and walls, also 
enclosing beams, butt jointed and broken, banded 
every 2 x / 2 feet.superficial yards 2000-0-0 

Deafening with a Y\ coat of plaster lime, covered with 
2 ^ 2 " clean, dry riddled engine or smithy ashes, and 
one coat plaster on top.superficial yards 1200-0-0 

1 coat plaster under wood linings.superficial yards 400-0-0 

3 coats plaster on ceilings and walls, hand floated, 

hard finished and well polished off. .superficial yards 6000-0-0 

Portland cement on 'lower walls of staircase, finished 

smooth.superficial yards 240-0-0 

Forming sunk bead at top of cement.lineal feet 480-0 

Finishing underside of concrete landings, etc., with 

best Portland cement.square yards 150-0-0 

7"X6" moulded cornice in shops ... .lineal feet 1200-0 

6"X 4 ^ 2 " moulded cornice in rooms.lineal feet 900-0 

5"X4" moulded cornice in lobbies, stairs and closses 

lineal feet....... 1200- 0 

192 miters on 7"X6" cornices..... 

180 miters on 6"X 4^4" cornices..... 

150 miters on 5"X4" cornices..... 

18 moulded return ends of cornices, including miters..._ 

18 enriched center flowers each 18" diameter on ceilings 

of rooms.‘.... 

18 plain center flowers each 9" diameter.. 

Forming arrises on angles...lineal feet 600-0 

Forming rounded corners and back of steps . .lineal feet 1200-0 
Forming 33 moulded stops with arris at top of rounded 

corners.... 

Relieving corner beads...lineal feet 130-0 

140 window cases bedded in lime and pointed with best 

mastic and oil .. 

6 small window cases bedded in lime and pointed with 

best mastic and oil.... 

Repairing all broken plaster work after the other trades¬ 
men are finished and upholding same for 12 months 
after completion..... 













































102 


builders' and contractors’ guide 


Conditions 

The lime for the first two coats to be the very best and mixed 
in the most approved proportions with clean, sharp sand, long 
fresh hair, and pure water, and the whole carefully wrought and 
prepared. The third coat to be run Irish lime mixed with white 
shiver sand, and the whole to be finished straight and smooth, 
and perfectly free from cracks, blisters or other imperfections. 

The whole materials to be of the very best quality, and the 
work done in the most complete and tradesmanlike manner to 
the entire satisfaction of the proprietor and architect or that of 
any person appointed to inspect the work. 

The proprietor reserves full power to make alterations on the 
plans or mode of executing the work, and to increase, lessen or 
altogether omit any part of the work he may deem expedient. 
The work will be measured when finished and whether more 
or less than now estimated, will be valued at the rates con¬ 
tained in this estimate or others in strict proportion thereto, 
and in proportion to the slump sum of the tender. 

The prices for extra work to which schedule rates do not 
apply, to be revised, and if necessary, corrected by the engineer. 
The contractor to pay half expense of schedules and measure¬ 
ments. 

The proprietor may not accept the lowest or any offer. 


METHOD OF MEASURING PLUMBER WORK 


In measuring Plumber Work, firstly, measure all roof 
work, such as ridges, piends, flanks, gutters, lead round 
chimney-stalks. 

Then measure all rain water pipes, eave rhones and any 
supply or discharge pipes outside of walls. Then take 
the inside work beginning at the upper floor, such as 
baths with their finishings and pipes connected, cisterns, 
water closets, hot water tanks, and all inside pipes. 
Then take the other floors in similar manner. Then all 
supply or other pipes outside of building. 

ESTIMATE OF THE PLUMBER WORK 


7 lb. sheet lead lining gutters. 18-0-0 

6 lb. sheet lead on ridges, peends and flanks. 32-0-0 

5 lb. sheet lead aprons at skews, chimney stalks, etc. 20-0-0 


Cwts. 70-0-0 

Lead batts in raggles 1 * 4 " long and not more than 6 " 

apart.lineal feet 324-0 

140 strong galvanized iron straps, each 16" long, fixing 

lead on ridges and peends. 

5" X4" cast iron moulded gutter, made of *4" metal, bolted 
and jointed with red lead and firmly screwed on wood 

facing.lineal feet 120-0 

5"X4" 18 cast iron moulded close ends. 

6 cast iron moulded drops or outlets. 

13 heavy copper rose gratings on gutters at top of pipes 

3" bends from gutters made of 6 lb. lead.lineal feet 25-0 

4j4"X3j4" cast iron O conductors made of Y\" metal 

lineal feet. 192-0 

4 }4"X3j4" 4 cast iron bends at bottom. 

28 cast iron ornamental ears fixed with spikes. 

4 cast iron ornamental cistern heads, each 17J4"X 12^4" 

on face and projecting 9^4" per drawing. 

103 





















104 


builders’ and contractors’ guide 


3 " cast iron round conductors and waste pipes from jaw- 
boxes made of Y" metal, fixed with strong holdfasts, 
and jointed with red lead putty.lineal feet 438-0 

9 cast iron single bends or shoes at bottom. 

6 cast iron 3" offsets at top .. 

27 cast iron branch pieces for waste pipes. 

, 27 cast iron branch horns cast on for waste pipes. 

\/ 2 " cast iron soil pipes made of %" metal, jointed with 
oakum and red lead and fixed with strong holdfasts, 
lineal feet... 220-0 

6 cast iron bends with heel rests at bottom. 

24 cast iron horns for branches... 

24 cast iron branch pieces ..... 

4 1 / 2 " cast iron light air pipe Y\” metal above soil pipe, 


lineal feet..... 72-0 

6 cowls on top of air pipe, as per drawing. 

3" waste pipes made of 6 lb. lead. .lineal feet 95-0 

5" branch soil pipes made of 7 lb. lead. .lineal feet 120-0 


27 white enameled fire clay sinks each 27" X18" X10" 

outside, of the finest quality with overflow... 

3" 27 hydraulic drawn 5" traps made of 7 lb. lead with 

brass cleansing screws... 

3/>" 27 brass table washers with plug and chain in fire 

clay sinks... 

54" 27 heavy brass nose cocks... 

27 collars made of 7 lb. lead connecting fire clay horns 

to lead waste pipes . 

6 plain whiteware table top wash-hand basins each 16" 
diameter inside, supported on two ornamental iron 
brackets and having lion’s head, S cesspool of 6 lb. 
lead and approved supply and discharge apparatus for 
cold water, with 6 lb. lead rod, overflow and tapered 
waste pipes complete ... 

Extra for 6 basins having brass pillar fount with 

flange . 

24 Shanks first quality “Citizen” flushdown fire clay 
water-closets in one piece, white inside, and buff out¬ 
side, of strong thick ware, having broad lip, fitted up 

complete . 

24 collars made of 8 lb. lead, connecting fire clay horns 
to lead soil pipes. 


































TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


105 


24 brass nipples each 5" diameter and 6" long of y%" 

metal connecting lead and iron soil pipes. 

24 Doulton’s patent iron improved three gallon vacuum 

syphon cisterns. 

48 cast iron brackets including fitting up with screws.. „ 

24 brass knees with jam nut for overflow. 

\]/ 2 " galvanized iron service pipes to water-closets, 
screwed and coupled at joinings with holdfasts, lineal 

feet. 

Labor only forming 24 offsets on service pipes. 

patent lead supply pipes weighing 11 lbs. per lineal 

yard.lineal feet 

y 2 patent lead supply pipes weighing 7 lbs. per lineal 

yard ..'.lineal feet 

6 brass underground stop cocks on supply pipe... 

6 brass screwed ferrules.... 

3 cast iron stop cock cases.. 

3 cast iron horse-shoe covers.... 

yy* 3 brass cleansing cocks with coupling tails.. 

1 malleable iron stop cock key..... 

Conditions 

Maintaining the plumber works in perfect condition during 
the progress of the work, making good from time to time any 
damaged or imperfect work from whatever cause arising, from 
theft, storm, fire, tradesmen’s operations, accidents of every 
kind, and after the several tradesmen finish, overhauling 
the work, and leaving the work in a perfect condition. 

The lead to be of the best soft-milled English kind, and the 
prices to include all charges for carriage, solder, holdfasts, 
workmanship and every other expense necessary for the 
thorough completion of the work. The whole materials to be of 
the very best quality, and the work done in the most complete 
and tradesmanlike manner to the entire satisfaction of the pro¬ 
prietor and architect or that of any person appointed to inspect 
the work. The proprietor reserves full power to make altera¬ 
tions on the plans or mode of executing the work, and to 
increase, lessen or altogether omit any part of the work he may 
deem expedient. The work will be measured when finished and 
whether more or less than now estimated, will be valued at the 
rates contained in this estimate or others in strict proportion 
thereto, and in proportion to the slump sum of the tender. 


168-0 

950-0 

560-0 


















106 


builders’ and contractors’ guide 


The prices for extra work to which schedule rates do not 
apply to be revised, and if necessary co r rected by the engineer. 
The contractor to pay half the expense of schedules and measure¬ 
ments. The proprietor may not accept the lowest or any offer. 

ESTIMATE FOR TILE LININGS 

Pure enameled tiles in 6" squares, cream, buff or other 
approved color on lower walls of closses, set in bed 
of pure Portland cement, mixed without sand, 

superficial yards... 130-0-0 

Ornamental enameled border 3" broad, of approved 
pattern, set in bed of pure Portland cement, mixed 

without sand.lineal feet 210-0 

Enameled corner beads on angles.lineal feet 40-0 

9 enameled corner pieces of 3" ornamental border... 

Cutting tiles at vertical and raking angles, including 

for loss of material.lineal feet 183-0 

Extra for dark base 6" high, chocolate or other 

approved color. 210 0 

Cutting and fitting tiles to moulded breasts of 36 steps.. 

Maintaining the tile linings in perfect condition during the 
progress of the work, making good from time to time any dam 
aged or imperfect work from whatever cause arising, from theft, 
storm, fire, tradesmen’s operations, accidents of eV-ery kind, and 
after the several tradesmen finish overhauling the work, and 
’saving tile linings in a perfect condition. 

















METHOD OF MEASURING PAINTER WORK 

In measuring Painter work begin with the ceilings 
and walls of apartments, stating the material used, 
whether oil paint or any other, then measure all wood, 
iron or stone work. Measure the cornices and other 
ornaments after the walls. In all cases state the number 
of coats used in painting. 

ESTIMATE FOR PAINTER WORK 

1 coat oil paint and size tinting ceilings.. superficial yards 1770-0-0 

Size color on walls.superficial yards 3200-0-0 

3 coats oil paint in shades on plain cornices, girding 

from 12" to 20".lineal yards 1100-0-0 

3 coats oil paint in shades on 18 enriched centerflowers, 

each 18" diameter. 

3 coats oil paint in shades on 18 plain center flowers, each 

9" diameter... 

3 coats painting in shades on 9 circular iron pillars each 
girding 24" and 12' high, having stenciled ornament 

at joining of colors. 

Imitation rich dark flowered oak with 3 coats ground 
and 1 coat varnish on woodwork of rooms, lobbies, 

etc.superficial yards 950-0-0 

Imitation rich dark flowered oak, with 3 coats ground, 
and 1 coat varnish on skirtings and beltings girding 

from 6" to 9".lineal yards 426-0-0 

3 coats painting on rest of woodwork, walls of lobbies, 
and lower walls of kitchens, sculleries and stairs, 

superficial yards. 2900-0-0 

3 coats painting on skirting and beltings, girth 6" 

lineal yards. 610-0-0 

Drawing black line at top of lower walls... .lineal yards 690-0-0 
1 coat staining in shades with dark mouldings and 3 

coats varnish on woodwork of shops.superficial yards 1180-0-0 
1 coat staining in shades with three coats of varnish on 

staff heads, girding 3 Zz .lineal yards 130-0-0 


107 






















108 


builders’ and contractors’ guide 


Painting vermillion and varnish on edges of shelves, 

lineal yards. 

3 coats painting approved color on 18 iron chimney 

pieces. 

3 coats painting black on 33 kitchen chimney jambs, 

lintels and shelves. 

Supplying 144 pieces paper (value 30 cents per piece) for 

walls of rooms. 

Hanging 144 pieces, including for sizing walls previously. 

3 coats painting bronze green on stair railings, iron 
stancheons of gates and borrowed lights (measured 

on two sides).square yards 

3 coats painting on outside woodwork, etc. .square yards 
3 coats painting on framing, girth G" of shop front 

lineal yards.. 

3 coats painting on framing, girth 9" of shop front 

lineal yards. 

3 coats painting on iron gutters.lineal yards 

3 coats painting on conductors and soil pipes 

lineal yards. 

3 coats painting on 32 ornamental ears. . 

3 coats painting on 3 iron cistern heads. 

3 coats painting on 6 iron clothes poles. 

3 coats painting on 29 iron ventilation gratings.. -. 

2 coats painting on outside of 147 windows.. 

2 coats painting on outside of 6 small windows. 

2 coats painting on iron stancheons of 18 windows.... 

Conditions 

The work to be finished plain or parti-colored and in oil or 
flatted as required. The prices must include all charges for 
puttying, polishing and every other expense necessary for the 
thorough completion of the work. 

The work to receive the full number of coats of best white 
lead and oil paint, and no size to be used in connection with 
paint on any pretence whatever. 

The whole materials to be of the very best quality, and the 
work done in the most complete and tradesmanlike manner to 
the entire satisfaction and directions of the Engineer or any per¬ 
son appointed as Inspector, who shall at all times be entitled to 
examine the work, and to reject or cause to be rejected all bad 


320-0-0 


40-0-0 

120 - 0-0 

225-0-0 

20 - 0-0 

40-0-0 

30-0-0 























TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


109 


or defective materials or workmanship, but such examination 
shall in no way diminish, effect or impair the obligations of the 
Contractor as regards the due and proper execution of the work 
in all respects. 

The Proprietor reserves full power to make alterations on the 
plans or mode of executing the work, and to increase, lessen or 
altogether omit any such portions of the work he may deem 
expedient. The work will be measured when finished and 
whether more or less than now estimated will be valued at the 
rates contained in this estimate, or others in strict proportion 
thereto, and in proportion to the slump sum of the tender. 

The prices for extra work to which schedule rates do not 
apply, to be revised, and if necessary, corrected by the Engineer. 
The Contractor to pay half expense of schedules and measure¬ 
ments. The Proprietor may not accept the lowest or any offer. 


FORM OF MEASUREMENT FOR MASON AND 

BRICK WORKS 


Excavating earth in area and trenches for 

foundations . .36-0x9-0X4-0 

Excavating earth in area and trenches for 

foundations .54-0X9-0X6-0 

Excavating earth in area and trenches for 

foundations .66-0X8-0X7-0 

Excavating earth in urea and trenches for 

foundations. 80-0X7-0x6-0 

Excavating earth in area and trenches for 

foundations .95-0X7-0X8-0 

Excavating earth in area and trenches for 

foundations . 54-0x8-0X4-0 

Excavating earth in area and trenches for 

foundations.73-0X8-0X3-0 

Cubic yards 

Concrete foundations under outer walls.. .36-0x5-0x4-0 
Concrete foundations under outer walls.. .54-0X4-0x3-0 
Concrete foundations under outer walls.. .28-0X3-6x2-6 
Concrete foundations under outer walls.. .36-0X2-6x1-6 
Concrete foundations under outer walls.. .27-0x3-0x2-0 
Concrete foundations under outer walls.. .37-0X2-6x1-4 

Cubic yards 

39-0X2-6X3-0 
47-0X2-6X2-0 
29-0X2-6X2-0 
Cubic yards 

Hammer dressed stone foundations of iron 

pillars.3 each 3-0X3-0X3-0 

Hammer dressed stone foundations of iron 

pillars.4 each 2-6X2-6X2-6 

Hammer dressed stone foundations of iron 

pillars.4 each 2-0X2-0X2-0 

Hammer dressed stone foundations of iron 

columns.2 each 3-0X2-0X1-6 

no 


Brick work in foundations of walls 
Brick work in foundations of walls. 
Brick work in foundations of walls 

























TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


1I\ 


Hammer dressed stone foundations of iron 

columns.2 each 4-6X1-6X1-9 

Hammer dressed stone foundations for 

iron columns.3 ea ch 2-0X1-6X1-0 

Cubic feet 

Droved hewing on top of foundations .. .3 each 3-0X3-0 
Droved hewing on top of foundations .. .4 each 2-6X2-6 
Droved hewing on top of foundations .. .4 each 2-0X2-0 
Droved hewing on top of foundations of iron 

columns.2 each 3-0X2-0 

Droved hewing on top of foundations of iron 

columns.2 each 4-6X1-6 

Droved hewing on top of foundations of iron 

columns.3 each 2-0X1-6 

Superficial feet 

Bedded soleplates of 18 iron pillars. 

Rubble seats under 9 hearths each about 2' high. 

2' rubble building of front wall of main 


building.30-0X36-0 

2' rubble building of front wall of main 

building. 9-0X24-0 

2' rubble building of front wall of main 

building. 8-6X12-0 

2' rubble building of gables.2 each 26-0x36-0 

2' rubble building gable tops.2 each 26-OX 9-0 

2' rubble building of back wall.30-0X36-0 

2' rubble building of back wall.27-OX 9-0 

2' rubble building of back wall. 8-OX 7-6 

Deduct 12 windows, front wall.. .each 3-0X 7-0 

4 doors, front wall.each 2-6X 6-0 

8 windows in gable.each 3-OX 7-6 

4 doors in gable.each 2-6X 7-0 

12 windows in back wall.each 3-OX 7-6 

4 doors in back wall. .each 2-6X 6-0 

S uperficial yards 

Hammer dressed out and inband corners of 

walls.4 each 36-0 


l J /i" Caithnesspavement damp course on walls. .30-0X2-0 
1*4" Caithnesspavement damp course on walls.. 9-0X2-0 
1*4" Caithnesspavement damp course on walls.. 8-6X2-Q 

































112 


builders’ and contractors’ guide 


1*4" Caithness pavement damp course on 

walls.4 each 26-0x2-0 

1*4" Caithness pavement damp course on walls. .30-0X2-0 
V/ 4 " Caithness pavement damp course on walls. .27-0x2-0 
1*4" Caithnesspavement damp course on walls.. 8-0 X 2-0 

S uperficial yards 

1*4" Caithness pavement damp course on dwarf parti¬ 
tions, 9" broad .lineal feet 300-0 

Cube stone piers of shop front. 2 each 2-6X2-0X6-0 

Cube stone piers of shop front.2 each 2-6X2-0X7-6 

Cube stone piers of shop front. 2 ea ch 2-6X2-0X8-O 

Cubic feet 

Striped hewing on sides.2 each 2-0 X 6-0 

Striped hewing on sides...2 each 2-0X7-6 

Striped hewing on sides.2 each 2-0X8-0 

Superficial feet 

Striped checked hewing on sides.2 each 2-0X8-0 

Striped checked hewing on sides. 2 each 2-0X7-6 

Superficial feet 

2 each 2-0X3-0 
2 each 3-0 X1-6 
2 each 4-0 X 2-0 
Superficial feet 

Labor working polished splays 3" broad on bases, 

lineal feet. 20-0 

Extra for 8 miters on splays. 

Extra for moulding under trusses at top of shafts, 

including extra size of stone and hewing .. .lineal feet 8-0 
Labor working 8 polished moulded and fluted trusses, 

as per drawing. 

Labor raising and setting 6 cast iron double columns 

each about 12' high of shop front... 

Labor raising and setting 9 circular pillars, each 12' 

high and sole and top plates. 

Labor raising and laying cast iron L and X beams, 


lineal feet. 147-0 

Labor raising and laying cast iron box beams, lineal 

feet.•. 27-0 

Cube stonecorniceovershopfront, 30-0X3-0X1-0 cubic ft 90-0 


Polished plain hewing on sides 
Polished plain hewing on sides 
Polished plain hewing on sides 


















































TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


113 


Polished plain hewing on stone cornice over shop front 
30-0x2-0.superficial feet 

Polished moulded hewing on stone cornice, over shop 
front, 30-0X1-0. superficial feet 

Labor mitering and returning upper and lower mem¬ 
bers of cornice at top of 4 stone piers. 

16" X8" polished plain sill course above cornice, gird¬ 
ing 17".lineal feet 

16"Xl5" polished plain sill course above cornice, serv¬ 
ing as window sills, girding 31" in stones 6'3" long, 
lineal feet... 

Extra material and labor forming 4 semi-circled and 
moulded pediments, each33" X12" on face over trusses 

Labor perforating cube stone for conductors, .lineal feet 
10"X6" polished moulded sill course, girding 14", 
lineal feet. 

18"x6" polished moulded sill course, serving as window 
sills, girding 28".lineal feet 

Labor perforating, mitering and returning sill course at 
3 conductors. 

Extra for 3 circled pieces moulded sill course including 
miters as per drawing . 

4 polished moulded stones, each 20"Xl5" on face and 
projecting 6", perforated, mitered and retained round 
conductors. 

Hammer dressed stone cornice at wallhead 10" thick and 

33" broad, including building, 30-0x2-9. 

square feet. 

Hammer dressed stone cornice at wallhead 10" thick 
and 21" broad, 20-0x1-9.square feet 

Polished moulded hewing on stone cornice, 50-0x5-6 
square feet. 

2 plain stop ends. 

40 miters of moulded cornice. 

6 polished projecting stones at ends of cornice at sides 
of pediments, having peended face, including 
material, hewing and building as per drawing. 

Labor cutting gutter in cornice.lineal feet 

Labor perforating 4 drip holes in 10" cornice. 


60-0 

30-0 

50-0 

20-0 

60-0 

574) 

18-0 


82-6 

35-0 

275-0 

130-0 




































]14 builders’ and contractors’ guide 

Dabbed coursers of front wall, and north gable, 6" 
on bed and two courses in height of each rybat, 
having ^ 2 " droved margin round each stone, with the 


necessary headers, front wall. 45-0x40-0= 

north gable.30-0X20-0= 

Deduct 2 windows.each 2-0X6-0=24-0 

2 doors.each 1-6x6-0=18-0 

Superficial feet 

Dabbed out and inband corners in stones not less than 
24" long and 12" thick on head, with droved margins 
girth of hewing 36" .lineal feet 


Dressings of Windows 

Droved out and inband back filleted rybats including 
hammer dressed inside scunchions, 30 each 4-0 lineal 

feet. 

13"XlO" droved out and inband back filleted lintels with 
dabbed tails and bead moulding on arris 5 each 6-0= 
13"XlO" droved out and inband back filleted lintels with 
frieze and astragal 18" deep in all.3 each 6-0= 

Labor working 18 returns of moulded lintels for rybats 
Labor working 9 returns for double moulded mullions. 

Labor working 12 polished plain ends of lintels. 

Labor working 6 polished moulded and mitered ends of 
lintels. 

16"X7" polished moulded sills in stones 6'6" long, 
lineal feet.;. 

Labor working 6 polished moulded and mitered return 
ends of sills... 

7"X6" polished mullions hewn all round and having bead 
moulding on both arrises, 10 each 6-0.lineal feet 

3 polished moulded cornices each 6'9" long and 8" thick, 

projecting 6" in one stone, returned both ends. 

3 polished moulded cornices, each 6'9" long and 6" 
thick, projecting 6" in one stone, returned both ends 
3 polished moulded and scrolled coronas each 6-0X3-0, 

per estimate. 

Carving in 12" raised letters “1895” on one corona, per 
estimate. . .. 


1800-0 

600-0 

2400-0 

42-0 

2358-0 

70-0 

120-0 

30-0 

18-0 


20-0 

60-0 



































TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 

Oriel Windows 

16"Xl5“ polished plain sill course girding 31", lineal feet 
18" X6" polished moulded sill course girth 28", 

lineal feet. 

48 miters of : loulded sill. 

Labor checking sill course for iron T beams, and 


grouting with Portland cement.lineal feet 

Polished moulded cornices, girding 20" .lineal feet 

24 miters on moulded cornices. 


13"Xl2" polished moulded lintels girding 24", 40 each 

5-0 lineal feet. 

Labor working 72 returns of moulded lintels for rybats 

and mullions. 

12" polished ashlar dados 60-0X5-0.square feet 

Polished out and inband projected jambs in stones 30"X 
12" and 20"X15" alternately with bead moulding on 

arris, 40 each 5-0.lineal feet 

12"Xl2" polished angular mullions in stones from 6'3" 

to 6'9" long 40 each 5-0. 

Square dressed rubble of back wall, 40-0X45-0 

superficial yards. 

Out and inband corners in 2' walls, 2 each 41-0.lineal feet 
Out and inband corners in 1'6" wall, 2 each 7-0.lineal feet 
16" X6" droved projected plinth at back wallhead, 

lineal feet. 

Droved out and inband rybats, 60 each 5-0...lineal feet 

Droved out and inband rybats in l'6"wall.lineal feet 

13"XlO" droved checked lintels, 32 each 4-0 ..lineal feet 
14"X6^" droved projecting window sills, girding 22", 
32 each 4-0.lineal feet 


Brick Work 

18" brick south gable.35-0X45-0= 

18" brick inner gables.2 each 32-0x45-0= 

18" brick inner gables.2 each 32-0x40-0= 

Superficial yards 

22" brick north gable.35-0x45-0= 

14" brick back wall at staircases. .36-0x40-0 square yards 

9" brick walls of back wings.2 each 18-0x40-0= 

4 each 16-0x40-0= 
Superficial yards 


115 


66-0 

180-0 

66-0 

102-0 


200-0 


300-0 


200-0 

200-0 

360-0-0 

82-0 

14-0 

54-0 

300-0 

8-0 

128-0 

128-0 


315-0-0 

320-0-0 

284-4-0 

919-4-0 

315-0-0 

160-0-0 

160-0-0 

284-4-0 

444-4-G 












































116 


builders’ and contractors’ guide 


9" brick dwarf walls under sleepers.. .80-0x4-6 sup. yds. 


A l / 2 " brick partition ground floor.350-0X9-0= 

4*4" brick partition three upper floors.450-0x36-0= 

Deduct 36 doors.each 2-6 X7-0 


Superficial yards 

Plumbing plain scunchions 14" broad, 205 each 4-0, 

lineal feet. 

Plumbing plain scunchions 4*4" broad, 110 each 4-0, 

lineal feet. 

Forming 36 openings for ventilation in 4^2 brick parti¬ 
tions, per plan. 

Forming checks and plumbing scunchions in 9" walls 

lineal feet. 

Plumbing angles of walls, 10 each 28-0.lineal feet 

Labor cutting 18" gable tops at angle, including for 

loss of material.lineal feet 

Labor cutting 14" gable tops at angle, including for 

loss of material.lineal feet 

Labor cutting 9" gable tops at angle, including for loss 

of material.lineal feet 

Extra for rounded brick at angles.lineal feet 

Vents in brick gables, smoothly plastered with lime, 

lineal feet. 

9" brick building walls of ashpit pointed with Arden 


lime and key drawn, 21-0X9-0.square yards 

Cutting brick at skews.lineal feet 

Plumbing plain scunchions 9" broad .lineal feet 

Plumbing external angles.lineal feet 

Slate slab breast of ashpit, 4-6X2-0.superficial feet 


Dressings of Brick Walls 

Facing wall of back wings, 356-0X9-0. .superficial yards 
Extra for forming semi-circular arch tops of 3 openings, 

each 3' span daylight in 9" brick walls . 

11"X6" polished plain projected plinth on wallhead, 

lineal feet. 

Polished plain hewing on 6 ends of plinth on wall head.. 
11" X6" polished projected sills to windows, 16 each 

2-0=lineal feet. 

11" X6" polished projected sills to windows hewn on 
inner edge.33 each 4-0= 


40-0-0 


820-0 


440-0 


618-0 

280-0 

84-0 

30-0 

21-0 

1200-0 


1420-0 


21 - 0-0 

12-0 

11-0 

26-0 

9-0 


356-0 0 

60-Q 

32-0 


132-0 
















































TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


117 


12" X9" polished checked lintels.lineal feet 

12" X9" polished checked lintels hewn on inner 

edge.34 each 4-0= 

12 "X9" polished checked semi-circled arched 

lintels over uppef stair windows ..._5 each 10-0= 


Chimney Stalks, Skews, etc. 

Polished ashlar chimney stalk on north gable, 

girded.36-0X10-0 

Polished ashlar chimney stalk on south gable. .34-0x11-0 
Polished ashlar chimney stalk on inner 

gables.6 each 32-0X11-0 

Superficial feet 

4^" brick brigs.lineal feet 

Labor working splay on ashlar.lineal feet 

Labor working 56 peended stop ends of splay. 

Labor working astragal moulding on ashlar including 

for extra size of stone.lineal feet 

Labor working 28 miters on astragal moulding. 

10"X6" polished moulded plinth, girding 12", including 

laying.lineal feet 

25 miters of moulded plinth. 

24"X10" polished moulded stone copes including 

hewing and building.lineal feet 

Polished moulded hewing 10 return ends. 

Labor cutting vents through cope.lineal feet 

Labor socketing copes for 50 chimney pots. 

12"X6" polished moulded and beveled label moulding, 

girding 14" .lineal feet 

12"X6" polished moulded and beveled label moulding, 
circular.lineal feet 

1 polished projecting stone panel 7' broad and 

8'6" high, per estimate. 

Carving on projecting stone panel, per estimate. 

9 polished and moulded stone trusses, per estimate. 

8 polished and moulded steps per estimate. 

2 polished and moulded terminals per estimate. 

24 dabbed crow steps average 15"Xl2" and 21" long 

having y 2 droved margin all round, per estimate.... 

3 dabbed crow steps average 15"X12" and 33" long 

having l / 2 " droved margin all round,per estimate ...» 


33-0 

136-0 

50-0 


423-0 

108-0 

163-0 

198-0 

70-0 

40-0 

50-0 

6-0 










































118 


builders’ and contractors’ guide 


6 dabbed corbels each 15"Xl2" and 30" long, per estimate 
3 polished ornamental finials each 12" square at base 

and 39" high in all, per estimate. 

12" X6" polished plain skews on main gables . .lineal feet 
9"X6" polished plain skews on sidewalls of wings, 

lineal feet. 

6 polished club skews on main gables. 

6 polished club skews on sidewalls of wings. 

Extra for 9"X6" stone skews of wings being knee’d 
on top and hollowed on underside.. ♦.. 

Chimney Jambs, Vents and Hearths 

Itj set hammer dressed covins and lintels for room fire¬ 
places, per estimate. 

30 pair polished kitchen chimney jambs. 

30 polished lintels each 12"X10" and 4' long. 

4 y 2 " 16 brick trimmer arches under room hearths. 

25 brick trimmer arches under kitchen hearths. 

9" fire clay vent linings.lineal feet 

2/ 2 " polished Arbroath hearths in rooms 36 each 4-6 X1-6 
2 ^ 2 " polished Arbroath hearths in rooms 36 each 3-6X1-0 
2^4" polished Arbroath hearths in kitchens, 30 

each.4-6 X1-3 

2/ 2 " polished Arbroath hearths in kitchens, 30 

each.3-6 X1-0 

Superficial feet 

Stairs and Pavement 

3" polished Arbroath platts in shop doors, 3 

each.4-6 X 3-0= 

3" polished Arbroath platts on shop doors, 3 

each.4-6 X 2-6= 

3" polished Arbroath platts in shop doors, 6 

each.4-6 X 2-0= 

3" polished Arbroath platts in shop doors, 9 

each.4-6 X 3-0= 

Superficial feet 

Labor working polished chamfered edge of platts, 

lineal feet... 

24 polished moulded Arbroath steps of stairs, per estimate 






























TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


119 


12 polished wheeling Arbroath steps of stairs, per estimate 
108 polished moulded Arbroath steps, per estimate ...... 

27 polished moulded Arbroath steps, each 4'-6" long, per 


estimate. 

10" polished parpend dados of shop windows, G 

each.3-OX 1-6= 

10" polished parpend dados of shop windows, 6 

each.G-0Xl-6= 

10" polished parpend dados of shop windows, G 

each.2-6 X1-0= 

10" polished parpend dados of shop windows, 7 

each. 3-8Xl-0= 

10" polished parpend dados of shop windows, 

6 each.2-6Xl-6= 

10" polished parpend dados in sidelights, 21 

each ..6-0 X1-6= 

Superficial feet 

Labor cutting dados to slope of ground.lineal feet 

Labor cutting and forming miters at 12 angles. 

1 coat finished asphalte paving having 4" 

bottoming of freestone shivers.60-0X4-6= 

1 coat finished asphalte paving having 4" 

bottoming of freestone shivers.35-0X5-0= 

1 coat finished asphalte paving having 4" 

bottoming of freestone shivers.28-0X6-0= 

1 coat finished asphalte paving having 4" 

bottoming of freestone shivers.37-0x4-6= 

Superficial yards 

12"X8" new dressed whinstone border.lineal feet 

Paving front footpath of street.150-0x12-0 

Paving front footpath of street.170-0X10-6 

Paving front footpath of street.85-0X10-0 

Paving in back courts.105-0X30-0 

Paving in back courts. 54-0X25-0 

Superficial yards 

Paving in water closets.30 each 6-0X4-6 

Paving in lavatories.30 each 7-0X4-0 

Paving in sculleries .30 each 7-0X3-0 

Paving on stair landings.18 each 9-0X4-0 

Paving in closses.6 each 15-0X4-0 

Paving in closses.6 each 9-0X4-0 

Superficial yards 


72-0 


150-0 











































120 


BUILDERS' AND CONTRACTORS’ GUIDE 


Paving 4" thick on roof of ashpit.12-0x9-0 

Labor forming gutters in paving.lineal feet 


Labor forming 6 basins in paving. 

Labor forming moulded -dg-sof stair landings, lineal feet 
2" second class Caithness pavement jointed 

with Portland cement coveting drains ....160-0X4-6 
Cutting raggles 4;4"Xl" in brick walls for concrete 
paving.lineal feet 


Iron and Steel Works 

6 cast iron double columns of shop front.cwis 

Cast iron L and beams.hundredweights 

Cast iron box beams.hundredweights 

9 cast iron circular pillars.hundredweights 

12" X5" rolled steel beams weighing 42 lbs. per lineal 

foot, in lengths about 17' .lineal feet 

10"X6" rolled steel beams weighing 48 lbs. per foot in 

lengths about 1514'.lineal feet 

10"X6" rolled steel beams weighing 42 lbs. per lineal 

foot, in lengths about 17'.lineal feet 

10"X5" rolled steel beams weighing 28 lbs. per lineal 

foot, in lengths from 7 to 11'.lineal feet 

8"X6" rolled steel beams weighing 33 lbs. per lineal 

foot, in lengths from 11 to 15'.lineal feet 

6"X5" rolled steel beams weighing 2334 lbs. per lineal 

foot.lineal feet 

514X434" rolled steel beams weighing 18 lbs. per lineal 

foot, in lengths under 10'.lineal feet 

5"X3" rolled steel beams weighing 10 lbs. per lineal 

foot, in 7'0" lengths.lineal feet 

6"X6" 34" rolled steel Tees in lOj^' lengths, .lineal feet 

3"X3" rolled steel Tees in 7' lengths.lineal feet 

5"X434" rolled iron beams weighing 23 lbs. per lineal 

foot...lineal feet 

4"X3" rolled iron beams weighing 12 lbs. per lineal foot, 

lineal feet. 

Labor raising and laying rolled steel beams . .lineal feet 
Labor raising and laying rolled steel beams, weighing 

48 lbs. per lineal foot.lineal feet 

Laboring raising and laying rolled steel beams weigh¬ 
ing 33 lbs. per lineal foot.lineal feet 


12 - 0-0 

230-0 

140-0 


470-0 


114-0-0 

86 - 0-0 

25-0-0 

126-0-0 

97-0 

93-0 

200-0 

440-0 

154-0 

8-0 

84-0 

60-0 

120-0 

14-0 

300-0 

"240-0 

300-0 

90-0 

150-0 
















































TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


121 


Labor raising and laying rolled steel beams weigh¬ 
ing 28 lbs. per lineal foot.lineal feet 

Labor raising and laying rolled steel beams weighing 

23^2 lbs. per lineal foot.lineal feet 

Labor raising and laying rolled steel beams, weighing 

18 lbs. per foot.lineal feet 

Labor raising and laying rolled steel beams, weighing 

10 lbs. per lineal foot.lineal feet 

Labor raising and laying rolled steel beams 6"X6"Xl4" 

tees.lineal feet 

Labor raising and laying rolled steel beams 3"X3"X^" 

tees .per lineal feet 

Labor raising and laying rolled iron beams weighing 23 

lbs. per foot.lineal feet 

Labor raising and laying rolled steel beams, weighing 

12 lbs. per foot.lineal feet 

4" machine Arbroath coddings under beams, 6 

each.2-0X1- 0 

4" machine Arbroath coddings under beams, 3 

each.2-0X0-10 

4" machine Arbroath coddings under beams, 2 

each.2-0X0- 9 

Superficial feet 

malleable iron circular stancheons of ground flat 

windows.60 each 8-0 lineal feet 

2^4" X^" malleable flat cross bars perforated for 

stancheons.lineal feet 

6 iron clothes poles, per estimate..... 


440-0 

8-0 

86-0 

60-0 

120-0 

14-0 

300-0 

240-0 


480-0 

45-0 

































ESTIMATE FOR CARPENTER AND JOINER 

WORKS 

Scaffolding, etc. 

Furnishing all necessary scaffolding, planks and tresses, 
putting up gangways and supports, mason’s shed 
and tool house, making moulds of strong zinc, 
blinding openings, including hinged doors with 
locks, covering projections of masonry with rough 
boarding, and inclosing building with proper barri¬ 
cade having the necessary gates, footpath and hand¬ 
rail in accordance with police regulations. 

Furnishing rough platform about 10' square with 

bearers and sides for mixing cement. 

Fitting up temporary office for clerk of works 10' square 
inside (the brick walls are built by mason) having 
wood floor and roof, glazed window with hinged 
shutter, door with hinges and lock, plain table with 
drawer and stool, the price to include for covering 
roof with slates complete. 

Centers, Safelintels, etc. 

Centers and supports for 3 semi-circular arches of 
openings in 9" brick wall each 3' span daylight.... 

Centers and supports for 45 brick trimmer arches under 

hearths 4 to 4J4' long. 

4"X2" beveled springers for brick trimmer arches, lin. ft. 204-0 
1" sawn boarding with rough bearers and supports 
under concrete floors of water closets and stair 
landing, etc., also for roof of ashpit (to be after¬ 
wards removed).superficial yards 157-0-0 

Safe lintels over openings (sawn on one side and edge) 

cubic feet. 220-0 

4l4"X4"cleaned safe lintels over windows in water closets, 

lineal feet. 72-0 

9"X6" sawn beams under roof including dovetailing 

for and inserting ceiling joists.lineal feet 63-0 

6"X3" cleaned beaded beams over bed opens. .lineal feet 216-0 

122 





















TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


123 


Assisting masons in setting up, also racking 6 cast iron 

double columns each 12' high of shop front. 

Assisting masons in setting up 9 circular cast iron 


pillars from 12' to 13' high. 

6"Xl" wall plates under sleepers. .lineal feet 

9"Xl" wall plates under sleepers.lineal feet 

9"Xl" wall plates under joists.lineal feet 

10" XI ^4" wall plates under roof.lineal feet 

6"Xll4" wall plates under roof.lineal feet 


4*4" X 1^4 " runners on brick bearing partitions .. .lin. ft. 
456 dooks each 9"X4*4"X3*4” f° r fixing door frames in 

brick partitions. 

6*4" X2^4" sleepers of first quality red dram battens, 

placed 18" to centers, in ground floor.lineal feet 

10" X 2*4" joisting of first quality pitch pine in 36*4' 

lengths.lineal feet 

10" X2*4" joisting of first quality pitch pine in 20*4' 

lengths and under.lineal feet 

Extra for joisting being 10"X3" instead of 10"X2 to 

carry bridles at hearths.lineal feet 

Labor checking joists on to tees over oriels, .lineal feet 
10" X3" bridles at hearths, dovetailed for joists, lineal feet 

10"Xl*4" slip joists at partitions.lineal feet 

90 cast iron shods for ends of bridles. 

10"X2" solid dwangs between joists.lineal feet 

Roofing 

6 * 4 "X 2 k 2 " ceiling joists of first quality white dram 

battens, placed 18" to centers.lineal feet 

White dram roof spars 6*4"X2j4" placed 18" to center, 

superficial yards. 

White dram roof spars 6"X2" placed 18" to center, 

superficial yards . 

11" X 1^4" ridgeboards, rounded on top.lineal feet 

ll"Xl/ 2 " piend rafters, rounded on top, including cut¬ 
ting and fitting spars on each side.lineal feet 

6"Xl" flank plates including cutting and fitting sarking 

at one side.lineal feet 

5"X2" Balks and oxterpieces of white dram battens 
. placed 18" to center, half checked and well nailed at 
ends.lineal feet 


207-0 

234-0 

798-0 

230-0 

123-0 

618-0 


2427-0 

6570-0 

1377-0 

990-0 

216-0 

216-0 

486-0 


684-0 


3132-0 


590-0-0 


60-0-0 

176-0 

168-0 

150-0 


2808-0 













































124 


builders’ and contractors’ guide 


54" half checked white pine sarking in not more than 9" 

breadths.superficial yards 

Cutting and fitting sarking at piends.lineal feet 

Cutting and fitting sarking at angled skews.. .lineal feet 
6"X?4" rough facing for fixing iron gutters, .lineal feet 

Doubling fillets at eaves and skews.lineal feet 

Y" 3 hatchboards each 27"X16" in ceilings having bars 
on back, bridles, checks, T hinges and long press lock 

complete. 

3 cast iron hinged rooflights each 16"X36" daylight, with 
quadrant fastener and glazed with 3 /ig" patent rolled 

plate glass complete. 

54" rough boarding on ceiling joists .. .superficial yards 

4"X2" rough framing of ladders.lineal feet 

11"X V/a” cleaned trap ladders on outside of roof, 

painted 3 coats oil paint all round.lineal feet 

120 chamfered fillets each 2"Xl VY and 11" long, painted 

3 coats oil paint all round. 

12 galvanized iron straps each 1*4 "X%g" and 12" long, 
bent to fit round ridges and fixed with screws. 

Deafening Boarding. Flooring, etc. 

54" deafening boarding of red pine in narrow breadths 

with fillets ll4"X54" of upper floors, superficial yards 1250-0-0 
36 blocks each 16" X8 "X2" fitted between joists forgasa- 

liers. 

Bracketing for lath inclosing steel beams.. superficial feet 102-0-0 
Red pine straps V/YXY" an d 12" to centers fixed to 
well dried redwood dooks 20" apart on outside walls, 

superficial feet. 634-0-0 

ly&" white dram flooring in 6" breadths tongued and 
grooved and well nailed with two nails to each board 
into every joist and carefully cleaned off after 
finishing, price to include for bearers at windows and 

press bossings, etc.superficial feet 1 695-0-0 

Angle cutting on flooring.lineal feet 105-0 

Labor cutting and fitting flooring neatly at 9 circular 

iron pillars. 

Labor cutting and fitting flooring neatly at 37 circled 

corners of breasts. 

Borders of flooring mitered round 51 hearths. 


630-0-0 

168-0 

50-0 

114-0 

518-0 


12 - 0-0 

32-0 

123-0 































TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


125 


Cast iron ornamental 10-lb. baluster railing of stairs to 
engineer’s selection, with thin iron strap at top, 


including cutting and fitting up.lineal feet 42-0 

Extra for 3 main balusters of stairs. 

3"X2 //' moulded Spanish mahogany cope (French 

polished) .lineal feet 43-0 


Windows with Their Finishings 

51 windows in back wall having cases with 4" sills, l/ 2 " 
lintel, 1" pulley stiles and 7/s" inside facings, //' out¬ 
side facings, batten rods and parting beads, and 2" 
sashes with astragals where required, double hung 
on 1 Y/' strong brass faced axle pulleys, best Italian 
hemp cord and cast iron weights, primed and glazed 
with 22 oz. sheet glass and afterwards painted 2 
coats oil paint on outside.superficial feet 1230-0 

9 windows in front wall, each in two compartments and 
having cases with 4" sills, \/ 2 " lintel, 1" pulley stiles, 
and 7// inside facings %" outside facings, batten 
rods and parting beads and 2" sashes with astragals 
where required, double hung on 1 //' strong brass 
faced axle pulleys, best Italian hemp cord and cast 
iron weights, primed and glazed with 22 oz. sheet 
glass and afterwards painted 2 coats oil paint on out¬ 
side.superficial feet 360-0 

18 oriel windows each in three compartments and hav¬ 
ing cases with 4" sills, \/ 2 " lintel, 1" pulley stiles and 
7/s inside facings, //' outside facings, batten rods 
and parting beads and 2" sashes with astragals where 
required, double hung on 1 //' strong brass faced axle 
pulleys, best Italian hemp cord and cast iron weights, 
primed and glazed with 22 oz. sheet glass and after¬ 
wards painted 2 coats oil paint on outside super¬ 
ficial feet.'. 986-i 

144 moulded ends of stiles of upper sashes of front 
windows. 

6 hinged sashes each 18"X36", daylight having 4 l / 2 " 
frame, with beveled checked sill, beaded checks, 3" 
strong brass hinges, brass knob and button and 
glazed with 114" rough cast plate glass complete. 


















126 


builders’ and contractors’ guide 


18 hinged sashes each 18"X60" daylight having \ l / 2 ” 
frame, with beveled checked sill, beaded checks, 3" 
strong brass hinges, brass knob and button and 

glazed with J4" rough cast plate glass complete. 

9 staircase windows, double hung and same as described 
'or back windows, also including extra for border 
panes, and clear glass in center, and colored border, 

superficial feet.. 

6 teak wood louvreboarded semi-circular arched tops of 
upper staircase windows each 3' span including 

circled framing etc. complete. 

1 54” bound shutters with flush planted mouldings, and 
74” plain closers having morticed close ends, to 

windows in ground floor.superficial feet 

V/i" bound lining with flush planted mouldings in 
rooms, also mock shutters in kitchens.. superficial feet 

54” cleaned boarding on soffits.superficial feet 

54” chamfered selected white pine lining in 3" breadths, 
with grounds, on breasts and elbows of windows in 
kitchens, also sides and soffits of scullery windows 

and enclosing sinks.superficial yards 

54” beaded cope.lineal feet 

Extra for forming recesses uner 27 sinks with lining 

round ingoing and bead on angles. 

Extra for forming 27 screwed opening boards in sinks 

with bars. . 

27 strong framed supports under sinks. 

27 teak blocks each 16" X 9" X174” perforated for cranes.. 

4"Xl" teak cope.lineal feet 

2"Xl" teak cope.lineal feet 

1" teak sole board with bearers.superficial feet 

3"X?4” beaded cope over oriels.lineal feet 

974"X54” dressed soleboard, with bearers bottled on 

edge of oriels (if required) .lineal feet 

V / 2 "X 74” cleaned grounds, with dooks, for staffbeads, 

lineal feet. 

iy 2 " turned staffbeads .lineal feet 

36 turned moulded bases to staff beads each 3" diameter 

and 8" high. 

36 turned moulded capitals each 5" high. 


154 " quarter beads on edges of shutters.lineal feet 

V\ beads in angles of cases.lineal feet 


220-0 


180-0 

1200-0 

165-0 


130-0-0 

230-0 


63-0 

63-0 

108-0 

198-0 

198-0 

360-0 

324-0 


237-0 

237-0 











































TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


127 


fi'A" X 54 "moulded facings and grounds.lineal feet 896-0 

4^"X54" moulded facings and grounds.lineal feet 482-0 

Grounds only for facings.lineal feet 88^0 

36 pair plain base blocks to facings. 

Putting ironmongery on 27 windows. 


Putting ironmongery on 18 windows with mock shutters 
Putting ironmongery on 9 windows each in two com¬ 
partments with mock shutters . 

Putting iron mongery on 18 oriel windows each in 

three compartments with mock shutters. 

Putting ironmongery on 6 windows with shutters. 

120 strong brass spring sash fasteners and screws. 

240 strong brass ring sash lifters and screws. 

66 brass shutter knobs and shields. 

36 ebony shutter knobs and shields. 

12 pair 3" edge hinges and screws. 

12 pair 1*4" backfold hinges and screws. 

6 iron shutter bars each 18" long with keepers and screws 
7"X3p2" moulded sills of shop windows and sidelights, 

lineal feet. 106-0 

3"X2j/2" moulded and checked framing of shop win¬ 
dows and sidelights.lineal feet 447-0 

3"X3" double moulded and checked angular framing, 

lineal feet. 120-0 

2"X 7 A" beaded coping.lineal feet 219-0 

8"X^4" teak fret facing for ventilation.lineal feet 106-0 

*4" best polished British plate glass in shop windows, in 
panes containing from 45 to 50 superficial feet, 

including glazing.superficial feet 592-0 

*4" best polished British plate glass in sidelights, in 
panes containing about 23 superficial feet, super¬ 
ficial feet. 270-0 

V/z framed stop chamfered dwarf shutters with open 
panels and planted beads for wire work, super¬ 
ficial feet . 354-0 

3"X2" moulded and checked top rail for shutters, 

lineal feet. 96-0 

Labor working 36 mitered return ends of top rail. 

Galvanized wire netting, including fitting in. .superfic. ft. 296-0 
Putting ironmongery on 12 shop windows with shutters 
Putting ironmongery on shutters in lower part of 6 
shop doors. 








































128 


builders' and contractors' guide 


144 iron corner clasps and screws for edge of shutters 

and end of top rail. 

18 iron corner clasps and screws with checked plates 

for edge of shutters and end of top rail . 

Iron strap V/ 2 " broad, with screws.lineal feet 96-0 

18 strong budget latches. 

18 black American lifting-off handles and screws. 

6"Xl/ 2 " plain pilasters of shop front, dooked to iron 

columns.lineal feet 60-0 

6 chamfered base blocks each 6"X2" and average 15" high 

6 moulded capitals each 9"X3" and 12" high. 

7/s cleaned boarding of frieze, 20" broad, in one breadth, 


with straps and dooks.superficial feet 187-0 

4"X2" moulded architrave under frieze.lineal feet 112-0 


Doors with Their Frames and Finishings 

5" X "2 cleaned frames for porch doors in shops, lineal feet 162-0 
6l4"X2" 3 pair frames to doors in 4*4" brick partitions, 
the ceilings 12' high, having fixtures at top and 

bottom. 

6l4"X2" 27 pair frames to doors in 4*4" brick partitions, 
the ceilings from 10' to 10'3" high, having fixtures 

at top and bottom. 

6*4"X2" 36 pair frames to doors in 4*4" brick partitions, 
the ceilings 12' high, having double lintel for fanlight 

3j4"Xl*4" 45 pair frames to wallpress doors. 

6"X2" cleaned frames for inside doors at small houses, 

lineal feet. 155-0 

514" X2" cleaned frames for doors to water-closets, 

lavatories and sculleries.lineal feet 810-0 

4 T /2"X2l4" cleaned frames for gates, dooked to brick, 

lineal feet. 42-0 

2" 6 bound two-leaved porch doors in shops, having 
raised planted mouldings on both sides, and upper 

part made for glass.'.superficial feet 216-0 

3"X2l4" moulded and checked framing of fanlights, with 

planted glass checks.lineal feet 78-0 

14" best British polished plate glass in panes containing 
from 6 to 8 superficial feet, including glazing, 

superficial feet. 99-0 

1*4" 18 bound entrance doors having flush planted 

mouldings on both sides.superficial feet 378-0 











































TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


129 


1 Y\ 9 bound two-leaved doors having flush planted 

mouldings on both sides.superficial feet 

15/6" 45 bound pass doors having flush mouldings both 

sides.superficial feet 

15/6" 72 bound press, closet, scullery and lavatory doors, 
having flush mouldings on face, and square framed 

on back.superficial feet 

V/%” 24 framed and lined doors to water-closets, having 
y r narrow chamfered lining and stop chamfered 

framing (red pine).superficial feet 

2" 3 framed and lined gates, having %" chamfered 
lining and upper part left open for iron stancheons 

(red pine).superficial feet 

o"X2" cleaned frames for borrowed lights .. .lineal feet 
2" fixed borrowed lights, glazed with Y\" rough cast 

plate glass.superficial feet 

2" fixed fanlights glazed with 21 oz. picked sheet glass, 

superficial feet. 

Labor working beaded and checked edges of two-leaved 


doors.lineal feet 

54" beaded checks.lineal feet 

Fillet checks.lineal feet 

6"X-h<" beaded checks round ingoing of small openings 

in 4^" partitions at ends of beds.lineal feet 

4^" X1/4" rounded berges at entrance doors (white 

pine).lineal feet 

l"Xl Y\" rounded berges at inner doors to small houses 
(white pine).lineal feet 


54" white pine lining, chamfered in joints, with 
grounds, sides and soffits of pinner doors, super¬ 
ficial yards. 

4 l / 2 "XYa" moulded facings in rooms, lobbies and stairs, 

lineal feet. 

4"X5/ 8 " moulded facings in kitchens, sculleries, closets 


and shops.lineal feet 

270 pair plain base blocks for facings. 

44" double beaded transom facings.lineal feet 

54" double beaded transom facings.lineal feet 

Labor fitting and hanging 162 doors. 


Labor fitting and hanging 15 two-leaved doors 

Putting ironmongery on 162 doors . 

Putting ironmongery on 15 two-leaved doors . 


189-0 

945-0 

1428-0 

420-0 

63-0 

40-0 

27-0 

216-0 

234-0 

2380-0 

100-0 

72-0 

81-0 

27-0 


20 - 0-0 

3000-0 

2400-0 

132-0 

132-0 













































130 


BUILDERS* AND CONTRACTORS* GUIDE 


Putting ironmongery on 6 fanlights. 

54 pair 7" hinges and screws. 

72 pair 6" hinges and screws. 

72 pair 5" hinges and screws. 

6-12" X 1 ^ 4 " patent brass flush slip bolts with keepers and 

screws. 

6-36" X1/4" patent brass flush slip bolts with keepers and 

screws. 

6-4" mortice lever locks having ebony and bronzed 

crank handles on both sides. 

36-8" rim locks with check box and 2}4" milled edge 
brass mounting inside and iron octagonal handle out¬ 
side. 

18-6" mortice locks with Mace’s patent ebony mounting 

one side and brass mounting other. 

18 strong spring kitchen latches with Mace’s patent 

brass mounting both sides. 

30-454" rim latches with Mace’s patent brass mounting 

both sides. 

63-5" press locks. 

45 set Mace’s patent brass mock mortice mounting.... 

18 set Mace’s ebony mock mortice mounting. 

3-6" galvanized locks for gates having japanned octa¬ 
gonal pull knobs both sides. 

18-12" patent spring flush slip bolts with keepers and 

screws. 

6 pair strong brass pivot hinges and screws for fanlights 
6 strong cords with brass eyes and yacht hooks for 

fanlights. 

74" malleable iron stancheons at gates and borrowed 
lights in back closses, including lead batting and 
putting in. 


Skirtings, Etc. 

6*4" X24" moulded skirtings and grounds in rooms and 


lobbies.lineal feet 1200-0 

6"X24" moulded skirtings and grounds in kitchens, 

sculleries and closets.lineal feet 1640-0 

600 miters of moulded skirtings. 

63 rounded corners of moulded skirtings . 

4*4" X24" moulded utensil belting with dooks, lineal feet 200-0 
6"X24" double moulded hat belting.lineal feet 108-0 


























TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 

l l /i” corner beads with dooks on angles.lineal feet 

V'Xl'A" cleaned shelves with dooks at kitchen fireplaces, 
lineal feet. 

Kitchen Fittings, Beds and Presses. 

Ys>" shelving fitted up where directed.superficial feet 

Labor working 66 rounded corners of shelves. 

132 strong framed open brackets under shelves. 

1 VY cleaned fir tops of dressers and bunkers each in 

one breadth.superficial feet 

TXW moulded skirting.lineal feet 

Labor working 54 moulded return ends of moulded 

skirting . 

Ys" dovetailed drawers with Y$" fronts, glue blocked, 

superficial feet. 

WY bound doors with flush planted mouldings, 

superficial feet. 

3"Xl^" cleaned framing.lineal feet 

6"Xl^" cleaned framing.lineal feet 

Fillets and sliders for 54 drawers. 

Ys" sparred shelves 1" apart.superficial feet 

3" X Y" bars on back of sparred shelves l"apart..lineal feet 

Y" plain shelves.superficial feet 

l l /s" rough bottoms of coal boxes.superficial yards 

V/$" batten lining, tongued, grooved, dressed and 

chamfered where exposed.superficial yards 

3"X3" rounded and chamfered corner posts, .lineal feet 

1" corner beads on angle.lineal feet 

Extra for forming hinged parts of front and top of 27 

coal boxes, with bars on back having screws. 

54 pair 2" strong backfold hinges and screws. 

27 Japanned iron strong hooks and eyes on plates and 

screws. 

Labor fitting and hanging 27 small two-leaved doors ... 
Putting ironmongery on 27 dressers and coal boxes.... 

54 pair 3" edge hinges and screws. 

V/4" 27 brass turnbuckles. 

27 strong hooks and eyes on plates and screws. 

54 black drawer cup handles and screws. 

3"X2" cleaned framing forming bed closets . .lineal feet 
3"X2" cleaned framing forming bed closets grooved for 
lining.lineal feet 


131 

726-0 

200-0 


1120-0 


378-0 

243-0 


318-0 

231-0 

972-0 

108-0 

216-0 

216-0 

162-0 

18-0-0 

90-0-0 

324-0 

81-0 


135-0 

630-0 






























132 


builders' and contractors' guide 


23/4"X2" cleaned and stop chamfered framing at open¬ 
ings.lineal feet 

1*4" pitch pine lining, tongued, grooved and beaded or 

chamfered in joints.superficial yards 

Ys beaded checks.lineal feet 

4"X?4" beaded cope.lineal feet 

54" moulding under beaded cope. 

1J4" X/4" 18 malleable iron angle pieces each 14" long at 
junctions of copes and standards, fixed with screws.. 
54" galvanized iron curtain rods having bent palm ends 

and fixed with screws.lineal feet 

9 dozen galvanized iron rings lj4" diameter on curtain 

rods. 

54" narrow chamfered white pine lining backs of room 


presses.superficial yards 

7/s" cleaned white pine boarding on ingoing --sup. ft. 

7/s" cleaned white pine shelving.superficial feet 

Labor cutting raggles for shelving.lineal feet 

Y&" beaded slips.lineal feet 

5"X5/ 8 " chamfered skirting.lineal feet 


Lavatory and Water-Closet Fittings 

24 French polished birch water-closet seats each about 
18" square and 1*4" thick, in two thicknesses, shaped 
and beaded on edge and having aperture complete... 
24 French polished birch hinging rails, each 4"Xll4" 
and 33" long with two moulded brackets underneath 

24 pair 3" brass edge hinges and screws. 

96 India rubber studs each 1" diameter with brass 

sockets, plates and screws and fitting in. 

54" angle pipe covers from 6" to 9" broad, with grounds 
and fixed with brass sockets and screws.. .lineal feet 
Two sided pipe covers girding 8" to 12" broad, with 
grounds and fixed with brass sockets and screws, 

lineal feet. 

6"X54" cleaned pipe covers with beaded checked 
grounds on both sides and fixed with brass sockets 
and screws.lineal feet 


255-0 


105-0-0 

306-0 

135-0 

135-0 


54-0 


42-0-0 

306-0 

216-0 

144-0 

306-O 

54-0 


72-0 


150-0 


60-0 
































TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


133 


Shop Fittings 

!4"chamfered selected white pine lining in 3" breadths, 
hand planed, with grounds 1J4"X1" and not more 
than 30" apart, and well dried dooks on lower walls 
of shops, also sides and soffits of windows, doors, 

etc.superficial yards 

4"X2" white pine dwangs for lining of shops (for 

extra value over grounds).lineal feet 

5/$" beaded cope at top of lining.lineal feet 

Labor working bead on angles of lining.lineal feet 

6"X5/ 8 " double beaded facings with dooks ... lineal feet 
4"X2" white pine bearers under soleboards in windows 

lineal feet. 

V/s" batten soleboards.superficial yards 

5/6" narrow chamfered lining only of breasts of batten 
soleboards.superficial yards 

Extra for forming 12 small doors in soleboards with 

bars on back and putting on ironmongery. 

12 pair 1 1 / 2 " backfold hinges and screws. 

12 brass knobs... 

12 black buttons. 

Labor working bottle on edge of soleboards. .lineal feet 
1*4" shelving fitted up where directed... .superficial feet 

1" shelving fitted up where directed.superficial feet 

7/s" shelving fitted up where directed.superficial feet 

3"Xl^ ,; beaded grounds, dooked to wall.lineal feet 

2" turned beads on fronts of shelves.lineal feet 

60 turned moulded bases each 4 y 2 " diameter and 3*4" high 
60 turned moulded capitals each 6" diameter and 4*4" high 
5/6" plain soffit of cornice with bearers .. .superficial feet 
6" X5" moulded cornice having plain frieze 12" deep in all 

with blockings.lineal feet 

24 miters of moulded cornice. 

1*4" bound doors with flush planted mouldings to small 
presses.superficial feet 

Labor fitting and hanging 42 small two-leaved doors ... 
Labor working beaded and checked edges... .lineal feet 

Labor working thumb moulding on edge of top. 

.lineal feet 

84 pair 3" edge hinges and screws. 

42 strong iron hooks and eyes on plates and screws 


622-0-0 

162-0 

500-0 

230-0 

156-0 

254-0 

12 - 0-0 

12 - 0-0 


72-0 

302-0 

490-0 

1960-0 

480-0 

360-0 


450-0 

450-0 


378-0 

190-0 

300-0 


• • • • 










































134 


BUILDERS* AND CONTRACTORS* GUIDE 


42 large size latches. 

Putting ironmongery on 42 small two-leaved doors. 

mahogany tops of counters (French polished), 

superficial feet. 

l%”XVs" mahogany thumb moulding, grooved on edge 

(French polished).lineal feet 

12 miters of mahogany thumb moulding. 

1 y%" bound fronts with raised planted mouldings on face, 

superficial feet. 

s/s" yellow pine lining in 3" breadths, tongued, grooved 
and chamfered in joints on ends... .superficial yards 


8" moulded base with blockings.lineal feet 

12 miters of moulded base.'.. 

3"X2" moulding under top.lineal feet 

12 miters of moulding. 

6"X%" cleaned pilasters.lineal feet 


Extra for mitering and returning moulded base at 30 

cleaned pilasters. 

Extra for mitering 3" X2" moulding at 30 cleaned pilasters 
$4" dovetailed drawers with fronts (glue blocked), 

superficial feet. 

3"Xlk2" cleaned framing and posts .lineal feet 

Fillets and sliders for 54 drawers. 

6 hardwood blocks having four cash cups turned in each 
Executing all jobbings required by plumbers, gasfitters, 
and other tradesmen, including all rough material 
required for cranks in roof, etc., also sweeping out 
floors, and removing rubbish to outside, this rubbish 
will be then removed by contractor for mason work 
Maintaining carpenter, joiner, glazier and ironmongery 
works in perfect condition during the progress of 
the work, making good from time to time any 
damaged or imperfect work from whatever cause 
arising from theft, storm, fire, tradesmen’s operations, 
accidents of every kind, malicious damage or other¬ 
wise, and after the several tradesmen finish, overhaul¬ 
ing the work, and. repairing where necessary, so that 
the carpenter, joiner, glazier and ironmongery works 
may be in such a perfect condition that the necessary 
formal written certificate of completion may be 
granted by the engineer.. 


260-0 

133-0 

360-0 

8 - 0-0 

133-0 

133-0 

90-0 

380-0 

1400-0 

























TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


135 


Conditions 

The safelintels, beams, wall plates, wall straps, dooks, window 
sashes and cases, frames and framing of outer doors and shop 
windows and shutters to be of Riga red pine, roofing of white 
pine, and all other timber unless where otherwise mentioned to 
be of American yellow pine. The whole timber to be of first 
quality and thoroughly seasoned, and free from sapwood 
shakes, large or loose knots or other blemishes, the finishings 
to be specially selected entirely free from blemish, and to stand 
the full sizes specified when finished. 

The work to be framed and fitted in the most approved 
manner, the whole of the nails used throughout to be steel 
nails, cut or patent wrought as the engineer may decide. 

The whole materials to be of the very best quality and the 
work done in the most complete and tradesmanlike manner, to 
the entire satisfaction and directions of the proprietor and 
engineer,-or any person appointed as inspector, who shall at all 
times be entitled to examine the work, and to reject, or cause to 
be rejected, all bad or defective materials or workmanship, but 
such examination shall in no way diminish, affect or impair the 
obligations of the contractor, as regards the due and proper 
execution of the work in all respects. 

The proprietor reserves full power to make alterations on 
the plans or mode of executing the work, and to increase, 
lessen or altogether omit such portions of the work as may be 
thought proper. 

The work will be measured when finished, and whether more 
or less than now estimated, will be valued at the rates contained 
in this estimate or others in strict proportion thereto, and in 
proportion to the slump sum of the tender. 

The prices for extra work to which schedule rates do not 
apply, to be revised, and if necessary, corrected by the engineer. 

The contractor to pay half expense of schedules and measure¬ 
ments. 

The proprietor may not accept the lowest or any offer. 

The contractor shall have the whole responsibility of main¬ 
taining and supporting his department of the work until the 
whole is satisfactorily completed and formally taken off his hands 
and shall be bound to rectify any failure from whatever cause 
arising, and to execute all works of whatever kinds necessary to 
complete this department of proposed works in accordance with 



136 


BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS GUIDE 


plans and foregoing particulars before the formal written cer¬ 
tificate of completion be granted by the engineer. 

Thomas Smith, Esq. 

Sir:— I hereby offer to execute the carpenter and joiner 
works of the tenements and shops which you propose to erect 
in Fifth avenue, according to plans thereof by Mr. James Thom¬ 
son, civil engineer, now shown, in conformity with and to the 
extent of the foregoing estimate for the sum of. 

Your acceptance of this offer will be binding on 

Your Obedient Servant. 








FORM OF MEASUREMENT OF PLASTER 

WORK 


Measurement of the plaster work of tenements and 
shops erected in Fifth avenue by Thomas Smith, Esq. 


39-0 3 coats plaster cn ceilings of rooms, 

south houses, three upper floors.3ea. 10-0 X 

23- 0 3 coats plaster on ceilings of .beds_3 ea. 6-OX 

35-0 3 coats plaster on ceilings of kitchens 3 ea. 9-0X 

14-0 3 coats plaster on ceilings of beds_3 ea. 6-OX 

17-0 3 coats plaster on ceilings of sculleries, 3 ea. 5-6X 

24- 0 3 coats plaster on ceilings of lobbies, 3 ea. 8-OX 

Except breaks 3 ea. 4-0X 

37-0 3 coats plaster on ceilings of rooms, 


9-6 

5-6 

8-6 

4-0 

3- 0 

4- 0 ) 
3-6 f 


north houses.3 ea. 9-6X 9-0 

23-0 3 coats plaster on ceilings of beds .. .3 ea. 6-0X 5-6 
33-0 3 coats plaster on ceilings of kitchens, 3 ea. 8-6X 8-0 
14-0 3 coats plaster on ceilings of beds... .3 ea. 6-OX 4-0 
17-0 3 coats plaster on ceilings of sculleries,3 ea. 5-6X 3-0 

23-0 3 coats plaster on ceilings of lobbies. ..3 ea. 7-6X 4-0 

Except 3 ea. 4-0 X 3-6 

299-0 3 coats plaster on walls of above apart¬ 


ments, three upper floors.299-0X30-0 

Deduct 12 front windows.each 3-6 X 8-0 

14 back windows..each 3-6X 7-6 

18 doorsides.each 3-0X 7-0 

12 doorsides and fanlights.each 3-OX 8-6 


39-0 add on ceiling of room, south house, 


ground floor. 10-0X 9-6 

23- 0 add on ceiling of bed. 6-OX 5-6 

35-0 add on ceiling of kitchen. 9-OX 8-6 

14-0 add on ceiling of bed. 6-OX 4-0 

17-0 add on ceiling of scullery. 5-6 X 3-0 

24- 0 add on ceiling of lobby. 8-0X 4-0 

Except 4-0 X 3-6 

37-0 add on ceiling of room, north house- 9-6X 9-0 

23-0 add on ceiling of bed. 6-0X 5-6 

33-0 add on ceiling of kitchen. 8-6 X 8-0 

14-0 add on ceiling of bed. 6-OX 4-0 



\ 


137 

























138 BUILDERS* AND CONTRACTORS* GUIDE 


17-0 add on ceiling of scullery. 


5-6 X 

3-0 

23-0 add on ceiling of lobby. 


7-6 X 

4-0 

Except 

4-OX 

3-6 

299-0 add walls of above apartments, 

ground 



floor... 


Deduct 4 front windows. 


3-6 X 

8-0 

4 back windows. 


3-6 X 

7-6 

8 doorsides. 


3-OX 

7-0 

4 doorsides and fanlights .... 


3-OX 

8-6 

Add ceiling of closs. 


20-0 X 

4-0 

Add ceiling of closs. 


12-OX 

4-0 

Add upper walls above tile lining. 


64-OX 

5-0 

Add on ceiling of staircase. 


17-OX 

9-0 

Add walls . 


52-0X43-0 

Deduct 8 doors and fanlights. 


3-OX 

7-0 

3 staircase windows. 


4-OX 

9-0 

2 closs opens. 


4-0X 

9-0 

/ 

Superficial yards 


7"X6" cornice of rooms in south houses, three 

upper floors.3 each 39-0= 117-0 

7"X6" cornice of rooms in north houses, three 

upper floors.3 each 37-0= 111-0 

7" X6" cornice in room, south house, ground flat.. 39-0= 39-0 

7"X6" cornice in room north house. 37-0= 37-0 

Lineal feet 304-0 

32 miters on cornice. 

3 center flowers on ceilings each 3'6" diameter. 

Relieving wood corner beads.lineal yards 750-0-0 

Rounding plaster corners.lineal yards 60-0-0 

Bedding 34 window cases in lime and pointing same 

with mastic and oil. 

Mending broken plaster after the other tradesmen are 
finished.:. 

Measured and calculated E. E. (signed) James 
Thompson C. E. 










































FORM OF MEASUREMENT OF PLUMBER 

WORK 

Measurement of the Plumber Work of Tenements and 

Shops erected in Fifth Avenue, by Mr. Thomas Smith. 

7 lb. sheet lead lining gutters 

on roof.3 each 20-0x2-0 120-0 

7 lb. sheet lead lining gutters 

on roof.3 each 15-0X1-6 67-6 Cwts. Qrs. Lbs. 

Superficial feet 187-6 11 2 24 

6 lb. sheet lead lining on 

ridge of roof.40-0x1-6= 60-0 

6 lb. sheet lead lining on 



piends of roof.. 

.4 each 20-0X1-3=100-0 

6 lb. sheet lead lining on 


flanks. 




Superficial feet 250-0 13 1 16 

5 

lb. sheet lead 

aprons at 


skews. 


5 

lb. sheet lead 

aprons at 


skews. 

.2 each 14-0X1-3= 35-0 

5 

lb. sheet lead 

aprons at 


chimney stalks . 

.8 each 8-0X2-0=128-0 

5 

lb. sheet lead 

aprons at 


chimney stalks..16 each 3-0 X2-0= 96-0 

Superficial feet 349-0 15 2 9 

40 2 21 

To find the total weight of lead on roof multiply the 
superficial feet in each case by the pound per foot in 
margin, thus:—187.6 multiplied by 7 gives 1313.2. 

Lead batts in raggles l l A" long .lineal feet 300-0 

136 strong galvanized iron straps fixing lead on ridges 
and piends. 


139 


















140 


BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS GUIDE 




5"X4"cast iron moulded gutter along front eave, lineal feet 116-0 

16 cast iron moulded close ends. 

4 cast iron moulded drops or outlets. 

12 heavy copper rose gratings in gutters at top of pipes 

3" bends from gutters made of 6 lb. lead.lineal feet 25-0 

4 l /2 ,f X3 I /2" cast iron semi-round conductors. .3 ea. 40-0= 120-0 

3 ea. 20-0= 60-0 

Lineal feet 180-0 

6 cast iron bends at bottom. 

30 cast iron ornamental ears fixed with spikes. 

6 cast iron ornamental cistern heads. 

3'' cast iron round conductors and waste pipes 

from jawboxes.... .6 each 30-0= 180-0 

3 each 8-0= 24-0 

3 each 6-0= 18-0 

7 each 9-0= 63-0 

9 each 4-0= 36-0 

Lineal feet 321-0 

9 cast iron single bends or shoes at bottom. 

6 cast iron 3" offsets at top. 

22 cast iron branch pieces for waste pipes. 

22 cast iron branch horns cast on for waste pipes. 

4j4" cast iron soil pipes from water-closets, 3 each 40-0 120-0 

3 each 25-0 75-0 

3 each 16-0= 48-0 

Lineal feet 243-0 

9 cast iron bends with heel rests at bottom. 

24 cast iron horns for branches. 

24 cast iron branch pieces. 

4}4" cast iron light air pipe Y" metal above soil pipe 


6 each 10-0 lineal feet. 60-0 

6 cowls on top of air pipe as per drawing. 

3" waste pipes made of 6 lb. lead...lineal feet 94-0 

5" lead branch soil pipes.lineal feet 115-0 


27 white enameled fire clay sinks each 27" X18" X10" 

outside measure. 

3" 27 hydraulic drawn S traps of 7 lb. lead. 

3 y 2 " 27 brass table washers with plug and chain. 

54” 27 heavy brass nose cocks . 

27 lead collars connecting horns to lead waste pipes. 

6 plain whiteware table top wash hand basins as per 
estimate. 










































TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 141 

Extra for 6 basins having brass pillar fount with flange.. 

24 shanks, first quality “Citizen” flush down fire clay 

water-closets as per estimate. 

24 collars made of 8 lb. lead per estimate. 

24 brass nipples each 5" diameter. 

24 Doulton’s patent iron improved three gallon vacuum 

syphon cisterns. 

48 cast iron brackets including fitting up with screws... 

Y\ 24 brass knees with jam nut for overflow. 


1 YY galvanized .iron service pipes to 

water- 


closets. 

.6 each 20-0— 

120-0 


4 each 15-0= 

60-0 


3 each 10-0= 

30-0 


Lineal feet 

210-0 

Labor only forming 24 offsets on service pipes . 


Y\ patent lead supply pipes 11 lbs. per 

lineal 


yard. 

.6 each 40-0— 

240-0 


6 each 25-0= 

150-0 


6 each 15-0= 

90-0 


Lineal feet 

480-0 

YY patent lead supply pipes 7 lbs. per 

lineal 


yard. 

. .7 each 30-0— 

210-0 

6 each 20-0= 

120-0 


4 each 15-0= 

60-0 


3 each 17-0= 

51-0 


Lineal feet 

441-0 


6 brass underground stop cocks on supply 

6 brass screwed ferrules. 

3 cast iron stop cock cases. 

3 cast iron horse shoe covers. 

YY 3 brass cleansing cocks with coupling tails 
1 malleable iron stop cock key. 




























FORM OF MEASUREMENT OF TILE LININGS 


Pure enameled cream 6" X6" tiles on walls of 


closses. 3 each 20-0x4-0= 

3 each 15-0x4-6= 
3 each 20-0x4-6= 
Superficial yards 

3" ornamental enameled border.lineal feet 

Enameled corner beads on angles.lineal feet 

9 enameled corner pieces of 3" ornamental border. 

Cutting tiles at vertical and raking angles-lineal feet 

Extra for dark base 6" high.lineal feet 


Cutting and fitting tiles to moulded breasts of 36 steps.. 
Maintaining the tile linings in perfect condition during 
the progress of the work, etc., per estimate. 


26-6-0 

22-4-6 

30-0-0 

79-1-6 

220-0 

40-0 

180-0 

200-0 























FORM OF MEASUREMENT OF PAINTER 

WORK 


1 coat oil paint and size tinting ceilings of 
rooms, three upper floors, south houses, 3 

each.10-0X9-6 

1 coat oil paint and size tinting ceilings of beds, 3 

each. 6-OX5-6 

1 coat oil paint and size tinting ceilings of 

kitchens.3 each 9-0X8-6 

1 coat oil paint and size tinting ceilings of beds, 3 

each. 6-0X4-0 

1 coat oil paint and size tinting ceilings of 

sculleries.3 each 5-6X3-0 

1 coat oil paint and size tinting ceilings of 

lobbies .3 each 8-0X4-0 } 

Except 3 each 4-0X3-6 ) 

1 coat oil paint and size tinting ceilings of 

rooms, north houses.3 each 9-6X9-0 

1 coat oil paint and size tinting ceilings of 

beds.3 each 6-0X5-6 

1 coat oil paint and size of tenting ceilings 

kitchens . 3 each 8-6X8-0 

1 coat oil paint and size tinting ceilings of 

beds.3 each 6-0X4-0 

1 coat oil paint and size tinting ceilings of 

sculleries ....3 each 5-6X3-0 

1 coat oil paint and size tinting ceilings of 

lobbies.3 each 7-6X4-0 ) 

Except 3 each 4-0X3-6 J 

1 coat oil paint and size tinting ceiling of room, 

south house, ground floor.10-0X9-6 

1 coat oil paint and size tinting ceiling of bed.. 6-0X5-6 
1 coat oil paint and size tinting ceiling of kitchen 9-0X8-6 
1 coat oil paint and size tinting ceiling of bed.. 6-0X4-0 
1 coat oil paint and size tinting ceiling of 
scullery. 5-6X3-0 

I coat oil paint and size tinting ceiling of lobby, 8-0X4-0 ) 

Except 4-0X3-6 ) 


143 



















144 


builders' and contractors' guide 


1 coat oil paint and size tinting ceiling of room 

north house. 9-6X9-0 

1 coat oil paint and size tinting ceiling of bed.. 6-0X5-6 
1 coat oil paint and size tinting ceiling of 

kitchen . 8-6 X8-0 

1 coat oil paint and size tinting ceiling of bed.. 6-0X4-0 
1 coat oil paint and size tinting ceiling of 

scullery. 5-6X3-0 

1 coat oil paint and size tinting ceiling of lobby, 7-6X4-0 / 

Except 4-0X3-6 ) 

1 coat oil paint and size tinting ceiling of closs, 20-0X4-0 
1 coat oil paint and size tinting ceiling of closs, 12-0X4-0 
1 coat oil paint and size tinting ceiling of 

staircase . 17-0X9-0_ 

Superficial yards_ 

Size color on walls of apartments, three upper 

floors.299-0x30-0 

Size color on walls of apartments, ground 

floor.299-0x10-0 

Size color on walls of staircase. 52-0X43-0 

Size color on upper walls above tile lining... 64-0X 5-0_ 

Superficial yards 

3 coats oil paint in shades on plain cornices girding 20" 

lineal yards.. 101-1-0 

3 coats oil paint in shades on 8 center flowers each 3'6" 

diameter. 

3 coats oil paint in shades on 9 circular iron pillars 
each 12' high and girding 24" with stenciled ornaments 
Imitation rich dark oak with 3 coats ground and 1 coat 
varnish on woodwork, viz.: 

windows.12 each 10-0x8-0 

soffits of windows.12 each 8-0X2-0 

breasts and elbows.12 each 16-0x3-0 

doors, 26 sides...each 4-0X7-6 

doors and fanlights, 16 sides . .each 4-0X9-0 

Superficial yards 

Imitation rich dark oak with 3 coats ground and 1 coat 
varnish on skirtings and beltings girding from 6" 

to 9"...lineal yards 420-0-0 

3 coats painting on other woodwork, walls of lobbies 
and lower walls of kitchens, sculleries, and stairs, 
superficial yards .* . 2800-0-0 
































TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


145 


3 coats painting on skirtings and beltings, girth 6", 

lineal yards. 600-0-0 

Drawing line at top of lower walls.lineal yards 600-0-0 

1 coat staining in shades with dark mouldings and 3 
coats varnish on woodwork of shops, viz.: 

wall linings.160-0x4-6 

wall linings.130-0X5-0 

wall linings. 70-0x3-6 

doors.10 each 4-0X7-6_ 

Superficial yards 

1 coat staining in shades and 3 coats varnish on staff 

beads, girding 314".lineal yards 125-0-0 

Painting vermillion and varnish on edges of shelves, 

lineal yards. 300-0-0 

3 coats painting approved color on 18 room chimney 

pieces. 

3 coats painting black on 33 kitchen chimney jambs, lin¬ 
tels and shelves. 

Supplying 144 pieces paper for walls of rooms. 

Hanging 144 pieces. 

3 coats painting bronze green on stair 

railings, 2 sides.each 40-0X 4-0 

3 coats painting bronze green on iron 

stancheons of gates, 2 sides.each 6-0X10-0 

3 coats painting bronze green on borrowed 

lights.6 each 3-OX 8-0 

Superficial yards_ 

3 coats painting bronze green on outside woodwork, viz.: 

147 windows.each 6-0X9-0 

6 small windows.each 3-0 X 7-0 

10 doors.each 7-0X8-0_ 

Superficial yards 

3 coats painting bronze green on framing, girth 6" of 

shop front.lineal yards 220-0-0 

3 coats painting bronze green on framing, girth 9" of 

shop front.lineal yards 20-0-0 

3 coats painting bronze green on iron gutters..lineal yards 40-0-0 

3 coats painting bronze green on conductors and soil 

pipes.lineal yards 30 -0-0 

3 coats painting bronze green on 32 ornamental ears ... 

3 coats painting bronze green on 3 iron cistern heads.. 











































146 


builders' and contractors' guide 


3 coats painting bronze green on 6 iron clothes poles... 
3 coats painting bronze green on 29 iron ventilation 

gratings. 

3 coats painting bronze green on iron stancheons of 18 
windows .. 






NOTES ON THE VARIOUS WORKS 


EXCAVATOR WORK 

The excavator is the person who undertakes to do all 
the digging operations in connection with the building. 
The tool generally used is the common spade, but there 
is often used a large scooped shovel which is drawn by a 
horse, especially where the soil is of a sandy nature. The 
prices per cubic yard for digging operations are regulated 
upon the condition of soil, whether it is hard or soft, and 
the time that would be taken in doing the specified 
quantity. In order to ascertain the cubic contents of exca¬ 
vating work done, it is necessary to find the data of the var¬ 
ious levels of the ground previous to digging operations. 
The site for the proposed building may have a very 
uneven surface, and so it is necessary to reduce the 
elevated parts of the ground to the lowest level, which 
will be to the uniform level of the ground previous to 
digging for the underground work of the building. 
The instrument used for leveling is the Theodolite, 
which stands upon a tripod or three legs. It is generally 
placed in such a position that commands a favorable 
point to take observations of the whole surface, and 
where this is not accessible it has to be moved from 
place to place in order to gain the best available point. 
Within the Theodolite there are two cross films—and 
the center point is that which gives the observation of the 
number of feet as shown on the rod which is held up at the 








148 


builders' and contractors' guide 



place where the level is to be 
taken. Firstly, however, a 
datum is to be taken of the 
place from which all the levels 
are to be regulated. Thus, 
often the corner of a wall of 
a neighboring house may be 
chosen, and a mark made by 
a chisel upon the wall indicat¬ 
ing the point of vision taken 
^ while looking through the 
Theodolite. The index on the 
^ rod which it strikes is then 
noted in the observation book 
for future reference. When 
all the observatives are taken 
then they have to be regulated 
according to the rise and fall 
of the ground in comparison 
with the datum taken. 

When the levels are taken 
and jotted down in the note 
book, then the calculations 
may be made in the office. 
The surface of the ground may 
be divided off into sections at 
the various points, and taken 
the average depth. Thus the 
various depths are taken and 
calculated on the various sec¬ 
tions of the surface:— 














TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


149 


Amount of digging for No. 1 section ... .10-0X 7-OX3-0 
Amount of digging for No. 2 section ... .26-0X10-0x6-0 
Amount of digging for No. 3 section ... .25-0X16-0x8-0 
Amount of digging for No. 4 section ... .30-0x20-0x9-0 

Cubic yards_ 

This reduces it to the level surface of the ground and 
then the excavator may begin to do any undersurface 
digging that may be required. The digging of same may 
be ascertained in a like manner. 

When all the levels are taken and quantities made out, 
it is necessary to describe the nature of the soil whether 
hard or soft, if the soil is to be wheeled to some part of 
adjacent ground or carted away altogether from the 
location. The excavator then can come to a proper basis 
upon which to regulate his price per cubic yard. 




NOTES ON MASON AND BRICK WORKS 

The term rubble is given to the rough stones that are 
generally used for the backing of walls where there is a 
facing of hewn work, or for walls of buildings where no 
facing is required. Common rubble is not hewn, but only 
shaped to the position it is to occupy in the building, and 
is generally not placed in any regular form. Square 
dressed rubble is hewn on the face to make the surface 
more regular and give it a better appearance. Ashlar is 
stone often used for the facing of walls, and is either 
polished or rock faced. Polished ashlar is generally used 
in the facing of buildings of a costly character, and those 
that are exposed in conspicuous positions to the public 
view. It presents a very pleasing appearance when built 
in regular courses. The thickness of ashlar is in general 
6", and in courses 12 " or 13 ,r deep, and is set in mortar 
and jointed with putty. Rock faced ashlar is the 
face hewn rough in the center with a margin wrought 
round each block of stone. This is often adopted in 
buildings where a relief is desired from the plain or uni¬ 
form face in other parts, and it has the effect of giving a 
rustic appearance which is a very pleasing contrast. 
Buildings of a castle or fortress character have very 
often this class of facing adopted in their construction 
which gives an imposing and bold effect to the general 
appearance. Another kind of ashlar is that which is 
termed droved, and derives its name from being droved 

150 




TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


151 


or hewn with a chisel and then placed in its position in 
blocks. Again there is vermiculated ashlar, that has the 
face hewn in a worm-like form in the center of the block 
with a margin of plain dressed or polished hewing round 
same. Again there is crow-toed ashlar which has the 

face done in the form of crows’ toes. There are other 

% 

kinds of hewing also adopted in dressing of stone, such 
as scabbled, striped, grooved, fluted and piended. There 
are also other varieties of stone, such as boulder stones 
and whin stones. The system of building with boulders 
has been in practice for several centuries. When 
we recall to mind the great walls that have been built by 
the Romans, notably the one stretching between the 
estuaries of the Forth and Clyde in Scotland, we have 
an example of the very early period in which it was 
adopted. Again when we see the ruins of some of the an¬ 
cient castles or fortresses throughout Great Britain which 
have stood the test of time, and seen the practical pur¬ 
poses which boulder stones have served, we can well 
understand the durability of such material when properly 
built. The boulders are often found on the sides of 
mountains, on the margins of lakes, by the roadsides or 
in the fields. If they are found in the vicinity where it is 
proposed to build, then the expense of quarrying is 
saved, for they are generally on the surface or a little 
underneath the soil. In Scotland this method of building 
with boulders is frequently adopted and in many of the 
ancient towers and castles it may be seen. Although 
often, too, found built in their natural condition, yet they 
may be hewn to meet the requirements of the style of 





152 builders' and contractors' guide 

Architecture used. The various kinds of stones have 
certain qualities which make them applicable to some par¬ 
ticular style of building, and boulder stones are well 
adapted for the Baronial style where ruggedness and 
strength are the prominent characteristics. The sizes of 
boulder stones vary from 3 inches to 8 cubic feet, and are 
to be found in different colors, such as grey, blue, green, 
brown, red and several others. The various shades may 
be well adapted to give a pleasing effect to the building 
when placed in certain positions. Boulder stones can be 
utilized for window heads, window sills, window jambs, 
square corners, window arches, chimney-coping, door¬ 
steps, and other parts of the building, if required. When 
white boulder stones are used at corners of walls or at 
window jambs, and filled in with blue whin stones of 
different sizes in courses between, they present a pleasing 
appearance. The boulder stones are set in lime and neatly 
painted with black mortar and white lead in the key- 
drawn joint. Besides being used in the building of houses 
the boulder stones may be utilized with effect in building 
churches, and public buildings where strength and 
solidity are required, and may be hewn to the size and 
shape that may be best suited to the order of Architec¬ 
ture. Many of the dykes or walls that enclose the fields 
or rural districts of Scotland are built with boulder 
stones laid on the top of each other without mortar. 
These are not generally set in any regular order nor 
intended to be always permanent, as they may be removed 
from one position to another as may be required. Whin 
stone is found in different parts throughout Great 








TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


153 


Britain, and is of a very hard and durable character. It 
is not easily hewn, but when it is made into regular 
shaped blocks and placed in proper positions in the build¬ 
ing it presents a very neat and pleasing appearance. The 
dressings of corners, windows and doors have generally 
freestone, adapted to give contrast to the whin stone 
facing. Cottages or small houses have often whin stone 
as the facing for the outer walls, and it is very neat in 
appearance, when laid in courses 6 inches deep, and 
jointed with white putty. Churches or castellated build¬ 
ings are also often built of this kind of stone, and it is 
very durable and well suited to withstand the influences 
of the weather. There is also the granite stone which is 
very little used in building and is principally utilized for 
the making of monuments, steps, pillars, columns, piers 
and other requirements. Sometimes the base part of 
buildings is done with this material and may be either 
rough or polished. It is very hard and consequently not 
so easily hewn, but when polished it presents a nice 
appearance, and is very durable. There are some locali¬ 
ties, but very few where granite is to be found. Aber¬ 
deenshire in Scotland is where some of the best quarries 
are to be found, and notably in Aberdeen and Peterhead. 
The former city is called the Granite City, where nearly 
all the buildings are constructed with granite found in 
the district. There are other kinds of stone that may be 
used for building purposes such as marble, etc. 

In treating of brick, there are ‘two kinds which are 
often adopted in building; the common red and white brick. 
These again may be made smooth, and present a more 





154 builders' and contractors' guide 

finished appearance to the building. Buildings that are 
built with brick and cement mortar are often very 
durable when good material is used, but if the brick be 
of a soft character the building would be apt very soon to 
give way. There are many purposes to which brick may 
be applied, but it is unnecessary to enumerate them. 
Brick is the best material for the construction of large 
chimney stalks and flues, and may be built with the red 
brick outside and white fire clay brick on the inside. 
Brick may be made into any shape by being moulded. 
Thus we have moulded cornices, rounded corners and 
splayed bases. We shall not touch upon the manufacture 
of the brick, as there are processes which would cause 
unnecessary detail. 





NOTES ON CARPENTER AND JOINER WORK 

In considering this subject we would notice the vari¬ 
ous kinds of timber and the practical purposes to which 
they may be applied. The timber that is exposed to the 
weather must be of a harder and more durable character 
than those for inside use, and according to the different 
parts of the work required to be done the timber that is 
most suitable is generally adopted. Thus white pine is often 
used for roofing spars, joisting etc., while American 
Yellow pine is adopted in the finishings, such as doors 
and lining of rooms. It is right to see that all timber be 
free from shakes, sapwood, large and loose knots and 
other imperfections before being used. There are many 
blemishes to be avoided in the choice of timbers, especially 
when they are to be used for very particular purposes. 
The timber must be thoroughly well seasoned, otherwise, 
there may arise several imperfections that will show 
themselves through time in the timber, caused by 
exposure. The timber for safe lintels, beams, wall plates, 
wall straps, dooks, window sashes and cases, frames and 
framing of outer doors are generally of Riga red pine. 
The finishings such as windows and doors are generally 
now done by machinery, whereas all the finishings in 
former times, used to be done by the hand and so a less 
amount of work was accomplished in the same space of 
time than what can now be done by the appliances at 

command. In all the various kinds of Joiner work there 

155 


156 builders' and contractors' guide 

are many tools used in their construction, and the manip¬ 
ulation of these require competent tradesmen to put 
together the various parts of the work. Great progress 
has been made in the manufacture of the more intricate 
and ornamental parts in the joiner work of the more costly 
buildings now erected as new designs are being intro¬ 
duced and the methods adopted are carried out with great 
efficiency. We will now consider some of the details 
connected with Carpenter and Joiner works, thus:— 
Joisting are made of different scantlings such as 10X2/4, 
ll" X3 f , and sleeper joists 3X2 or 4"X2" which are gen¬ 
erally laid on the ground floor and often laid on asphalt. 
Joisting is often placed 18 " to centers and cross-keyed 
dwangs are placed between them to give strength to the 
joists over the width of area which they have to cover. 
The joists are often inserted 9 inches into the wall and 
having iron or fire clay shods where there are vents, tc 
prevent the joists from taking fire. At the hearths 
there are bridles into which the joists are inserted, and 
often they are half an inch thicker to give strength for 
insertion of the joists, thus the bridles would be 10" X 3" 
for a 10"X2/4" joist, and would be formed thus:— 



F*ig.&7. 

























TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 157 

On the top of the joists the flooring is laid which is 
generally 1J4" thick and in boards 5 or 6 inches in 
breadth or in narrow boards 3" broad.- The boards 
are generally feathered and grooved in the joints and well 
nailed, and the overwood well cleaned. The ceiling joists 
do not require the same strength as the floor joists, as they 
have not the same weight to bear, but are only laid on the 
wall head at each end, and the ends of roof spars are 
notched into them and kept tight by the poleplate: thus: 



F* « 

The balks are the pieces that bind the spars to each 
other on both the sides, and the oxterpieces are pieces 

nailed to the spars and ceiling joists. On the top of the 

spars is the sarking thick and the ridgeboard is 
at the top of the spars, and is either rounded on the top 
or having a rounded batten nailed on to form a roll for 
the lead or zinc. Gutter boarding and bearers are placed 
in the valleys between roofs, and often snow staging above 
this again when required. Then there is the facing board 
along the eaves for nailing the eave gutter to. The roof 

lights are composed of top, bottom and end rails also 

astragals for the glass. Louvre-boarded ventilators are 








158 builders' and contractors’ guide 

placed on the roof and may be made to any size as may 
be required. Over the openings in the walls there are 
the beams or safe lintels. They have generally a rest of 
nine inches on each side, and when inserted into the wall 
are rough, but when exposed over any opening they are 
dressed. Beams are made in different lengths, but should 
be specified if in long lengths, as the price will be more 
per lineal foot. Door frames may be described as per pair, 
giving the height of ceiling and the thickness of the brick 
partition in which they are placed. Thus:—one pair 
door frames in 4}4" brick partition the ceiling 10 ; 0" high. 
Those door frames in standard partitions maybe measured 
in a similar manner. Or again the frames and lintels for 
doors may be measured by the lineal foot. Partitions 
where standards are used are generally composed of 4"X2" 
standards placed 14T to centers, and having 4X2 runners 
at top and bottom and dwangs in center. 

Windows are generally made 2 T /i" thick and having 
cases. Windows may be with or without astragals, and if 
having small panes should be specified so, as an extra 
price would require to be charged. Windows may have 
circled or gothic shaped tops, and an extra charge should 

\ 

be made for forming same. Windows that have mullions 
or transoms should have the same specified and measured 
by the lineal foot giving breadth and thickness. Where 
spandril boards are, these should be described giving the 
extreme measurement. Windows are generally hung 
with lead or iron weights and strong hemp cord with 
brass faced axle pulleys. They may be hung on both 
sashes or only on one, but must be so specified. Doors 






TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


159 


are made of various kinds of timber and different thick¬ 
nesses. Two inches is the thickness of ordinary doors, 
which are generally for the outer doors or inner pass 
doors. Press and closet doors are generally made V/ 2 " or 
lM" thick. The number of panels in doors should always 
be specified and the kind of mouldings in the panels 
described, also whether it is square on the one side and 
mouldings on the other. In measuring bound partitions 
where the glass is in upper portions, the thickness of 
bound work should be taken and classed by the superficial 
foot, all mouldings and copes measured separately and 
astragals describing their size. The wainscoting on 
walls to be described giving the thickness and the mould¬ 
ings and copes measured by the lineal foot. 

The order in measuring Carpenter and Joiner works 
is to begin by taking the rough timbers first, such as 
safe lintels over openings, beams, wall plates, runners on 
brick partitions, sleeper and floor joists, door frames, 
ceiling joists and roof timbers. In taking the finishings 
begin with the upper floor and come downward. Firstly: 
Take all the windows in each room with their finish¬ 
ings, then all the doors with their finishings, and 
then the mantel-pieces and skirtings in each apart¬ 
ment. In the next story down take the same order. In 
the note book then you can see at once where to find each 
item and so have them classified and arranged in the 
completed measurement. After you have taken the 
rough timbers on a piece of paper that you have as a 
draft you may then take all windows with their finishings 
in one place, the doors with their finishings in another 





160 


BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS GUIDE 


with all ironmongery and then note these in proper order 
form same as described in Form of Estimate. The com¬ 
pleted measurement should be kept in as near a form of 
order as detailed in the Estimate, as the prices in the 
Estimate can be better applied and placed in order in the 
measurement. 


j 









NOTES ON SLATER WORK 


In many localities slates are not to be obtained, but in 
England and Scotland where there are several quarries, 
the slates are greatly utilized for the various buildings 
that are erected. The Westmoreland slates of the North 
of England and those of the Western Highlands of Scot¬ 
land are chiefly in demand throughout Great Britain. 
Those from Westmoreland are green and of a durable 
character, and give a neat appearance to the roofs, when 
properly bonded. The slates from the western Highlands 
of Scotland are generally blue and can be had in various 
sizes. Slating in Canada is very seldom done, and when so, 
the slates are shipped from a considerable distance. Shin¬ 
gling is the method done generally throughout the Domin¬ 
ion, and when the roofing is painted it has the appearance 
of slates such as are used throughout Scotland. Slating 
makes a very durable and strong material for resisting 
the effects of snow and rain, as well as the sparks from 
fire. Although the prices of slates are much higher than 
shingles or any other material, yet it is to advantage, in 

getting roofs done with them, because of the durability 

\ 

and adaptability that they possess. The slates are gen¬ 
erally three fourths square dressed and bored V/ 2 !' from 
top, having3" of cover at the eaves gradually diminish¬ 
ing to 2" at the ridge and put on with galvanized steel or 
iron nails weighing 12 pounds per thousand. Slates can be 
put on in various patterns and shapes, but where they are 
more intricate than the common mode of slating, it re¬ 
quires considerably more time in arranging and fixing them. 

11 161 


I 


NOTES ON PLASTER WORK 

There are different kinds of material with which plas¬ 
tering is done. There is the common plaster composed of 
haired lime mixed with lime shells, and pure water. This 
after being made into the proper consistency is put on 
the walls and floated with a square piece of wood having 
a handle which is used for the purpose. The first coat of 
plaster is then left to thoroughly dry and then the sec¬ 
ond coat is put on, and when this coat is in a condition to 
receive the third coat, it is then put on and finished in a 
polished manner with white stucco plaster. This is then 
the last coat which completes the plastering of the walls 
in general cases, as three coats finished white makes a 
first class job. The walls then should be in a proper 
condition for receiving paint or any other material that 
may be desired to cover the same. There are also Port¬ 
land and Roman cement which are used frequently in the 
plastering of walls. Then there is stucco or plaster of 
Paris that is used for the cornices and ornaments of the 
building. These can be run or moulded into any shape 
or form as may be desired. There are many kinds of 
ornaments adopted in the cornices. There is the modil- 
lion block, the egg and dart enrichment, the various kinds 
of floral ornaments, the dentil ornament, the patera 
ornament and several others that might be mentioned. 
Center flowers are made in different patterns and in 
various sizes. 


162 







NOTES ON PLUMBER WORK 

This work is very important from a sanitary point of 
view and is worthy of great attention being given to its 
study and development. The roofs of buildings have 
generally lead used in the various parts that are exposed 
to the weather such as ridges and piends, valleys and 
round chimney stalks, and these lead pieces, should be 
well batted down and secured from being removed by 
storm. Zinc is also often used in connection with roof 
work, such as ridges and piends, valleys and round 
chimney stalks, etc. The conductors or pipes that convey 
the water from the roofs are of different bores or inside 
diameter, as the -requirement demands. At the top of 

9 

these pipes there are boxes or cistern heads in which the 
water is contained previous to its flow down the pipes. 
These pipes may be made round or square, and fastened 
by iron holdfasts or loose ears. At the top of some of the 
pipes where there are projections of plinths there are 
offsets projecting beyond the wall to allow the rain water 
to flow into the pipes. At the bottom there are shoes or 
bends to allow the water to flow from the pipes at the 
ground or there may be heel rests at the bottom for con¬ 
necting at drains. The pipes or bends from sinks or 
jawboxes are often carried to the outside to join the rain 
water pipes. The jawboxes or sinks are generally placed 
in a convenient position next the outer wall, and are 

inclosed often with lining thick and having a door in 

163 



1G4 


builders' and contractors' guide 


same for access. The top part or sole board is at the end, 
while the hardwood cope is round the opening of sink. 
The position is thus: 



Inside the sink there is a plug and socket at the top of 
the waste pipe with chain attached, while there is a brass 
grating for allowing the water to discharge into the waste 










































TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


165 


pipe. There is also an overflow at the top of the sink 
for the water when it rises to a certain level. On the 
waste pipe from sink there is a cesspool, or trap, and a 
brass screw attached to give access for cleaning purposes. 
The water closets are often situated also near the outer 
wall so that the soil pipes may be carried down conven¬ 
iently for discharge to the outside. The soil pipe is 
connected with the horn of closet and has also a bend or 
cesspool with screw for access to same for cleaning. The 
soil pipe is sometimes carried down inside the wall, but 
for sanitary purposes it is better that it be carried outside 
the wall, and having a grating on top for ventilation. On 
the down soil pipe outside the wall there are horns cast 
on for the reception of branch soil pipes from closets. At 
the bottom there are heel rests at connections of drains. 
The thickness of inside diameter of soil pipes is generally 
5" or 4 ^ 2 ". The bath pipes are more complex in their 
construction as often there are hot water pipes to be 
brought from the tanks where the hot water is generated. 
The cold supply pipes to baths, sinks and cisterns, as well 

as to hot water tanks, are brought up from the ground 

« 

and carried through the building to their various places. 
The cold supply pipes to baths are led along to where the 
cranes are situated and the hot supply pipes also to their 
cranes. Then there are the other pipes such as the waste 
or discharge pipes, rod pipes, and fittings for baths. Baths 
may be fitted up with plunge, spray or shower. Hot 
water tanks are generally situated in the kitchen, where 
the pipes for the tanks may be led from the kitchen 
boiler. The revolving pipes are those between the tank 
and boiler. The other pipes from the tank convey the hot 




166 


BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS GUIDE 


water to the bath and sink. The fittings of the tank are 
generally 3 couplings for connecting pipes. The fittings 
for sinks and baths may be either made of brass or 
electro-plate or gun metal. The sanitary condition of 
the building or house depends greatly upon the method 
and perfect equipment of all the parts to the uses for 
which they are intended to accomplish the desired results. 
It is of importance that the water closet fittings and 
arrangement of its position in the house be particularly 
attended to, also the method in which the soil pipe is made 
perfectly air tight, and the connection it has to the drain, 
and exit of the soil therefrom. Ventilation of the soil 
* pipe is very essential, and should be done in the most 
thorough method possible. The gasfitter work of a house 
is also of much importance where a supply of gas can be 
readily obtained. The pipe conveying the gas from the 
main is led into the house and connected to the meter 
which has an index that records the number of cubic feet 
consumed, and this may be priced per thousand feet and 
the cost ascertained. The pipes are made of composition 
or block tin and of various diameters or bores according 
to the number of lights required in the various apart¬ 
ments. They vary from V/ 2 " to J4" in diameter and 
according to the position of the apartment and the number 
of lights in it, the pipes will be led in the shortest method 
possible to save expense. Then there are couplings which 
connect the pipes at their junctions where they branch off 
to the several apartments. Brackets are fitted upon the 
walls or mantel-pieces, and gasaliers from the ceilings. 
These may be had at various prices, and from the plainest 
to the most elaborate design. 




NOTES ON PAINTER WORK 


Beauty and cleanliness, along with good taste are very 
essential elements in the finish of a building. The 
Painter’s art is one of great importance in producing 
these when carried out in the most thorough manner. 
Painting may be done with various kinds of material. 
Thus we have oil color, and water color. The oil color 
gives a more durable condition and may be easily washed. 
The water color is of a cheaper material and can be used 
for common purposes. The oil paint can be made into 
various tints according to the class of work that may be 
desired. Harmony of color is very important in painting, 
as a deficiency in this respect displays a want of good 
taste. The work of a good painter should produce the 
highest artistic results. For this class of work the 
Decorator is brought into requisition, who requires to 
devote his time to the study and development of the 
newest and best designs, and produce original sketches for 

f 

the various subjects that may be required. The decora¬ 
tion of churches, halls and public buildings call for the 
skill of the best artists, and this class of work becomes 
very expensive owing to the time required in gaining the 
experience of same, and the great care and taste dis¬ 
played in producing the desired results. 


167 




FORM IN NOTE BOOK 


MASON WORK 

Measurement of the mason work of a tenement being 
erected in Fifth avenue by Thomas Smith, Esq. 


2'0" 

Rubble foundation 




of front wall. 


2-0X60-0X1-0 


Digging trench for 




foundation. 


3-0X61-0X1-0 

2'0" 

Rubble foundation 




of back wall. 


2-0X60-0X1-0 


Digging trench for 




foundation. 


3-0X61-0X1-0 

2 '0" 

Rubble foundation 




of east gable. 


2-0X30-0X1-0 


Digging trench for 




foundation. 


3-0X31-0X1-0 

2'0" 

Rubble foundation 




of west gable. 


2-0X30-0X1-0 


Digging trench for 




foundation. 


3-0X31-0X1-0 

1 '6" 

Rubble foundation 




of walls of wing.. 


1-6X60-0X1-0 


Digging trench for 




foundation. 


2-6X62-0X1-0 


Digging area of ten- 




ement. 


45-0X36-0X2-6 

2 '0" 

Rubble front wall of 




tenement above 




foundation. 


58-0X36-0 


Deduct 6 windows, 




ground floor . 


each 3-0 X 6-6 


1 closs open. 


4-OX 9-0 


7 windows, first floor, 


each 3-0 X 7-0 


7 windows, second 




floor. 


each 3-0 X 8-0 


7 windows, third 




floor .. 


each 3-0 X 7-6 

2'0" 

Rubble back wall.. 


58-0X36-0 


Deduct 26 windows.. 


each 3-0 X 6-6 

2'0" 

Rubble east gable 




above foundation, 


28-0X36-0 


168 































TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


169 



Deduct 3 windows, 




ground floor. 


ea 3-0 X 6-6 


3 windows, first floor 
3 windows, second 


ea 3-OX7-0 


floor. 


ea 3-0X8-0 


3 windows, third 



floor. 


ea 3-0X7-6 

2'Q" 

Rubble foundation 



west gable above 
foundation. 


28-0X36-0 


Deduct 3 windows, 



ground floor. 


ea 3-0X6-6 


3 windows first floor 
3 windows second 


ea 3-OX7-0 


floor. 


ea 3-0X8-0 


3 windows, third 



floor. 


ea 3-0X7-6 
Superf’l yds. 


Rubble walls of 


ro" 



wing. 


58-0X36-0 
ea 3-0 X 7-6 


Deduct 12 windows, 



1 door. 


3-6 X 7-0 


Rybats of openings 


Superf’l yds. 


in front wall, hav¬ 
ing droved margin 
and scuncheons, 
per estimate. 

12 

each 6-6 



2 

each 9-0 



14 

each 7-0 



14 

each 8-0 



14 

each 7-6 


Rybats of openings 



/ 

in back wall, hav¬ 
ing droved margin 
and scuncheons, 
per estimate.: 

52 

each 6-6 


Rybats of openings 




in east gable hav¬ 
ing droved margin 




and scuncheons, 




per estimate. 

6 

each 6-6 


6 

each 7-0 



6 

each 8-0 



6 

each 7-6 


Rybats of openings 




in west gable, hav¬ 
ing droved margin 



• 

and scuncheons, 
per estimate. 

6 

each 6-6 



6 

each 7-0 

































170 


builders’ and contractors’ guide 




6 

6 

each 

each 

8-0 

6-0 


Rybats of openings, 
in l'O" walls of 
wing. 

24 

Lineal feet 

each 7-6 


Lintels over open¬ 
ings in front walls 

2 

27 

each 7-0 

Lineal feet 

each 4-6 


Lintels over open¬ 
ings in back wall. . 

2 

26 

each 5-6 

Lineal feet 

each 4-6 


Lintels over open¬ 
ings in east gable 

12 

each 

4-6 


Lintels over open¬ 
ings in west gable 

Lintels over open¬ 
ings in walls of 
wing. 

12 

each 

4-6 


12 

Lineal feet 

each 4-6 


Droved projecting 
window sills in 

2 

a» 

each 5-0 

Lineal feet 


front wall . 

27 

each 

5-0 


Droved projecting 
window sills in 
back wall. 

26 

each 

5-0 


Droved projecting 
window sills in 
east gable. 

12 

each 

5-0 


Droved projecting 
window sills in 
west gable. 

12 

each 

5-0 


Droved projecting 
window sills in 
walls of wing. 

12 

each 

5-0 


Droved stone door 
steps. 

2 

Lineal feet 

each 3-6 


Droved stone plinth 
on wall head of 

front wall. 

Droved moulded 
course on front 
wall. 

2 

each 4-0 

Lineal feet 

61-0 

60-0 






































TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


171 



Droved ashlar chim¬ 
ney stalk on front 
wall . 


16-0X9-0 

7-0 

12" X 6" 

Droved stone cope 
Cutting and counter¬ 
sinking cope for 
10 chimney pots.. 
Rubble building of 
seats under 3 
hearths, ground 

flat. 

Arbroath hearths, 



inner. 

10 

ea 3-OX 1-0 


outer. 

10 set chimney jambs 
and lintels. 

10 

ea 4-6 X1-6 


















BRICK-WORK 


- ; 

kN 

Brick partitions in 




ground flat. 


206-0X10-0 


Deduct 10 doors.... 


each 3-0X6-0 


Add partitions up 




one stair. 


220-0X10-0 


Deduct 12 doors .... 


ea 3-0X6-0 


Add partitions up 




2 stairs . 


220-0X10-6 


Deduct 12 doors.... 


ea 3-0 X 6-0 


Add partitions up 




3 stairs. 


220-0X11-0 


Deduct 12 doors.... 


ea 3-0 X 6-0 


Plumbing scun- 




cheons of doors.. 

92 

ea 6-0 

9" 

Brick building of 




wall at end of wing 


10-0X6-0 


Brick foundation for 




wing. 


14" X10-0X0-4 


172 



















FORM IN NOTE BOOK 


CARPENTER AND JOINER WORKS 


10" X 6" 
4J4"X1" 


Safe lintels over 
windows in front 

wall. 

Safe lintels over 

closs open. 

Safe lintels over 
windows,first floor 
Safe lintels over 
windows on sec¬ 
ond floor. 

Safe lintels over 
windows, third 

floor. 

Safe lintels over 
windows in back 

wall .. 

Safe lintels over 
windows in east 

gable. 

Safe lintels over 
windows in west 

gable . 

Safe lintels over 
windows in wing, 
Safe lintels over 

door. 

Dressed beam over 
opening in wall, 

ground flat. 

Runners on bearing 
partitions. 


6 


7 

7 

7 

26 

12 

12 

12 


ea 4-6x10-4 
5-6X10-6 
ea 4-6X10-4 

ea 4-6X10-4 

ea 4-6X10X4 

ea 4-6X10X4 

ea 4-6X10x4 

ea 4-6X10X4 
ea 4-6X 8x4 
4-6X 8X4 

10-9 

605-0 


22 pair door frames 
in 4k2" brick 
partitions, the 
ceiling 10'6" high 
12 pair door frames, 
in 4 1 / 2 " brick par¬ 
titions, the ceiling 
10'6" high. 


173 

























174 


BUILDERS’* AND CONTRACTORS 




GUIDE 



12 pair door frames, 





the ceiling ll'O" 





high. 





10 pair wall press 





door frames. 





184 dooks for door 





frames in 4 / 2 " 





brick partitions. . 




6" XI" 

Wall plates under 





sleepers in 


. 



ground flat. 



106-0 

9" XI" 

Wall plates under 





joists. 



600-0 

10" XI 

Wall plates under 





roof. 



300-0 

6j^"X2^" 

Sleeper joists. 

34 

each 

20-0 



17 

each 

31-0 



8 

each 

20-0 

io" x 2y 2 " 

Joisting of first floor 





in 36X>' lengths.. 

10 

each 

36-6 

10" X 2^" 

Joisting of first floor 





in 20 J/ 2 ' lengths.. 

10 

each 

20-6 

10" X3" 

Bridles at hearths... 

3 

each 

4-6 



3 

each 

2-0 



4 

each 

1-6 

10"Xlj4" 

Slip joists at par- 





titions . 

3 

each 

8-6 



3 

each 

7-0 



4 

each 

7-6 

10" X 2" 

Solid d wangs 





between joists. .. 

12 

each 

30-0 


Roofing. 


6 ^ 2 " X 2// 

Ceiling joists placed 





18" to center .... 

10 

each 

17-0 



7 

each 

15-0 



9 

each 

12-0 

6J4"X 2j4" 

White dram roof 





spars placed 18" 





to center . 





2 sides each 


30-0X24-0 

lV'xi'A" 

Ridgeboard, rounded 





on top. 


lin’l ft. 

30-0 

ivxiy 2 " 

Piend rafter. 

4 

each 

26-0 

5"X2" 

Balks and oxter- 





pieces . 

12 

each 

5-6 



4 

each 

10-0 



2 

each 

7-0 































TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


175 


w 

White pine sark- 

ing on roof. 

Cutting and fitting 
sarking at piends 
Deafening boarding 
of 3 upper floors. 

o 

0 

30-0X24-0 

lin’l ft. 104-0 

ea 36-0x26-0 


Deduct 6 hearths.... 


ea 4-6X1-6 


Straps with grounds 
on walls of ground 
floor. 


124-OX 10-0 


Deduct 12 windows. 

1 clossopen . 

Add on walls of 
three upper 

floors. 

Deduct 18 windows. 


ea 5-OX 9-0 

4- OX 9-0 

124-0X31-6 

5- OX 9-0 

i w 

l w 

White dram flooring 
of ground floor.. 

White dram flooring 
of three upper 
floors . 

3 

36-0X26-0 

ea 36-0X26-0 


Deduct at 10 hearths. 


ea 4-6 X1-6 


Windows. 



12 d. h. windows in 




ground floor .... 


ea 


13 d. h. windows in 




first floor. 


ea 


13 d. h. windows in 




second floor. 


ea 


13 d. h. windows in 




third floor. 


ea 

4"X5 / 4" 

Individual facings 




to windows. 

12 

ea 



18 

ea 

VA' 

Bound lining with 




sunk planted 




mouldings o n 




sides of win- 




dows. 

60 

ea 

VA' 

Bound lining with 




sunk planted 




mouldings o n 




sides of win- 




dows . 

36 

ea 

v/ 4 ' 

Bound lining with 




3-9X6-8 

3-9 X 7-2 

3-9 X 8-2 

3-9 X 7-8 

23-0 

23-0 


1-2X7-0 


1-2X7-0 






































176 


builders' and contractors' guide 




w 


breasts and 
elbows of win¬ 
dows . 

Beaded coping on 

windows. 

30 pair base blocks 

to windows. 

30 pair china shutter 

knobs . 

30 brass sash fast¬ 
eners with screws, 
Putting on iron¬ 
mongery of 30 
windows with 
mock shutters ... 
120 strong sash 
fasteners and 

screws. 

240 strong ring sash 
lifters and screws. 
66 brass shutter 
knobs and shields 
36 ebony shutter 
knobs and shields 
12 pair 3" edge 
hinges and 

screws. 

6 iron shutter bars 
each 18" long 
with keepers and 
screws. 


48 

48 


ea 

ea 


6-4X2-0 

6-4 


Doors with their Frames and Furnishings 


« 

5"X2" 

Cleaned frames for 
porch doors in 




shops. 

6 

each 20-0 

6^"X2" 

Frames for doors in 
4j4" brick par¬ 
titions . 

27 pair frames, the 
ceilings from 10' 
to 10'3" high, 
having 4 1 / 2 " brick 

partition. 

36 pair frames, the 
ceilings from 10' 

































TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


177 


3y 2 "xiy 2 

6"X2" 

2J4"X2" 

4 i A"x2y 

3"X2^" 

YaT 

W" 

m* 

m n 

2 " 


to 10'3" high, hav¬ 
ing double lintel 

for fanlight. 

36 pair frames to 



wall press doors 
Cleaned frames for 
inside doors at 
small houses .... 

12 

each 15-0 

Cleaned frames for 
doors to water 
closets, lavatories 
and sculleries.... 

2 

each 15-0 


2 

each 16-0 


2 

each 20-0 

Cleaned frames for 
gates dooked to 
brick. 

2 

each 20-0 

Bound two leaved 
porch doors in 
shops, per esti¬ 
mate . 

6 

ea 4-0X7-0 

Moulded and checked 
framing of fan¬ 
lights with plant¬ 
ed glass checks.. 

4 

each 16-0 

Best British polished 
plate glass in 
panes from 6 to 8 
superficial feet, 

including g 1 a z - 
ing. 

4 

ea 6-0x10-0 

Bound entrance 
doors having 
planted mould¬ 
ings both sides .. 

18 

ea 3-0 X 7-0 

9 Bound two leaved 
having planted 
doors . 

9 

ea 4-0X8-0 
ea 3-0X7-0 

Bound press doors.. 

6 

Bound press, closets, 


- 

scullery and lav¬ 
atory doors. 

3 

ea 3-0X7-0 

- 

3 

ea 3-OX 6-0 


3 

ea 3-0X5-6 

Framed and lined 
doors to water 
closets, per esti¬ 
mate . 

2 

3-OX 6-0 

Framed and lined 
gates to water 





























178 


builders' and contractors' guide 




closets, per esti- 





mate. 

2 

4-OX 7-0 


6"X2" 

Cleaned frames for 



- 


borrowed lights, 

2 

20-0 


2" 

Fixed borrowed 





lights glazed with 





J4" rough cast 





plate glass . 

2 

3-OX 3-0 


2" 

Fixed fan lights, 





glazed with 21 oz. 





sheet glass. 

2 

3-OX 2-0 



Lab or working 





beaded and check- 





ed edges of two- 





leaved doors. 

2 

6-0 


w 

Beaded checks. 

2 

12-0 



Fillet checks. 

2 

14-0 


6 "XVi" 

Beaded checks round 





ingoing of small 





opening in 4*4 





partitions at beds, 

2 

10-0 


4 y 2 "xvA" 

Rounded berges at 





entrance doors .. 

2 

3-0 


i l A"xi'A" 

Rounded berges at 





inner doors to 





small houses. 

6 

3-0 


rt" 

White pine lining 





with grounds on 





sides and soffits 





of inner doors... 

2 

14-OXl-O 


4A"xH" 

Moulded facings in 





rooms, lobbies and 





stairs..... 

2 

14-0 




2 

16-0 




2 

15-0 


4” X 54" 

Moulded facings 





in kitchens, scul- 





leries, closets and 





shops . 

2 

each 14-0 




2 

each 16-0 




2 

each 12-0 



30 pair base blocks 





to facings. 




54" 

Double beaded tran- 





som facings. 

2 

each 6-0 



Labor fitting and 




. • 

hanging 100 





doors. 





Labor fitting and 


-• 














































TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


179 


hanging 15 two- 
leavecl doors.... 
Putting ironmon¬ 
gery on 160 doors 
Putting ironmon¬ 
gery on 20 two¬ 
leaved doors .... 
Putting ironmon¬ 
gery on 6 fan¬ 
lights . 

32 pair 7" hinges and 

screws . 

16 pair 6" hinges and 

screws. 

10 pair 5" hinges and 

screws. 

6 mortice 4" lever 
locks having 
ebony and 
bronzed crank 
handles on both 

sides. 

20 8" rimiocks with 
check box and 
milled edge 
brass mounting.. 
12 8'' mortice locks 
with Mace’s pat¬ 
ent ebony mount¬ 
ing one side. 

12 kitchen latches, 
per estimate ... 
10 4^2" rim latches.. 
10 5" press locks.... 
10 sets Mace’s patent 
brass mortice 

mounting. 

10 set Mace’s patent 
ebony mortice 

mounting. 

3 6" galvanized locks 
for gates. 


6"X5/ 8 " 


Moulded skirting 
and grounds in 
rooms. 




6" x 54" 

I 


Moulded skirting 
and grounds in 


2 

each 

12-0 

2 

each 

18-0 

2 

each 

15-0 






























180 builders' and contractors' guide 



kitchens, scul- 





leries and closets. 

2 

each 30-0 




2 

each 25-0 




2 

each 19-0 


4*X5/6" 

Moulded utensil 





belting with 





dooks. 

2 

each 15-0 




2 

each 20-0 




2 

each 18-0 


6"X5/6" 

Double moulded 





hat belting. 

2 

each 16-0 




2 

each 12-0 




2 

each 10-0 


i w 

Corner beads with 





dooks. 

2 

each 20-0 




2 

each 19-0 




2 

each 17-0 


8"Xl" 

Cleaned shelves with 





dooks at kitchen 





fireplaces . 

4 

each 6-0 


w 

Shelving. 

2 

ea 16-0X1-0 




2 

ea 12-0X1-6 




2 

ea 14-0X1-3 



Working rounded 





corners . 





Strong framed open 





brackets . 




iy 2 " 

Cleaned fir tops of 





dressers . 

2 

ea 6-0X3-0 



Cleaned fir tops of 





bunkers . 

2 

ea 5-0X2-6 


7 "Xtt" 

Moulded skirting... 


1-8-0 





1-6-0 

. 


Working 30 moulded 





return ends. 





Dovetailed drawers : 





Bottoms. 

2 

ea 1-6X1-0 



Sides and ends... 

2 

ea 5-0X0-6 


1 w 

Bound doors with 





planted mouldings 

2 

ea 3-0X1-6 


3"xiy 2 " 

Cleaned framing_ 

2 

each 20-0 

\ 



2 

each 15-0 




2 

each 14-0 



Fillets and sliders 





for drawers. 




w 

Sparred shelves 1" 





apart. 

2 

ea 20-0x3-0 



Bars on back. 

2 

each 20-0 


Vs" 

Plain shelves. 

2 

ea 20-0X1-0 
















































TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


1J4" 

l/s" 

3"X3" 

1 " 


3"X2" 

3"X2" 

2^4" X 2 

l/s" 


Rough bottoms of 


coal boxes. 

2 

Batten lining dressed 


and chamfered.. 

2 

Rounded and cham- 


fered corner 


posts . 

3 

Corner beads o n 


angle. 

3 

Extra for forming 


hinged parts of 


front and top of 2 


coal boxes. 


2 pair 2" strong 


backfold hinges 


and screws. 


2 Japanned iron 


hooks and eyes 


on plates and 


screws. 


Labor fitting and 


hanging 2 small, 


two-leaved doors, 


Putting ironmongery 


on 2 dressers, and 


coal boxes. 


2 pair 3" edge hinges 


and screws. 


2 strong hooks and 


eyes on plates and 


screws. 


2 black drawers, cup 


handles and 


screws. 


Cleaned framing 


forming bed 


closet. 

2 


2 

* 

2 

Cleaned framing 


forming ground 


for lining. 

2 

2 

Cleaned and stop 


chamfered fram- 


ing at openings.. 

2 

9 


u 

2 

Pitch pine lining, 


grooved, beaded 



3-0 

3-0 


each 

6-0 

each 

3-0 

each 

4-0 

each 

5-0 

each 

4-0 

each 

6-0 

each 

8-0 

each 

4-0 







































182 builders' and contractors' guide 



and chamfered in 
joints in front of 
dressers and coal 
boxes. 

12 

ea 

15-0X3-0 

W 

Beaded checks of 
doors. 

24 

ea 

2-0 

4"X%" 

Beaded cope. 

12 

ea 

10-0 

5/g" 

Moulding under 
beaded cope . 

12 

ea 

10-0 

i'A"xiA" 

Vs" 

18 malleable iron 
angle pieces each 
14" long at junc¬ 
tions of copes and 
standards, fixed 

with screws. 

Galvanized iron cur¬ 
tain rods having 
bent palm ends, 
fixed with screws 

12 

ea 

5-0 

H" 

Narrow chamfered 
lining backs of 
room presses.... 

12 

ea 

3-OX 7-0 

/s" 

Cleaned white pine 
boarding on in 
going. 

12 

ea 

17-0X1-0 

W 

Cleaned shelving ... 

24 

ea 

3-OX 1-0 


Labor cutting rag- 
gles for shelving. 

48 

ea 

3-0 

w 

Beaded slips. 

12 

ea 

17-0 

5"X5/ 8 " 

Chamfered skirting. 

12 

ea 

3-0 
























FORM IN NOTE BOOK 


SLATER WORK 

The sketches of roofs are the principal things to be 
taken in note book, and great care must be observed so 
that not one single measurement be omitted to be jotted 
down, otherwise the contents cannot be ascertained. It 
is advisable that the sketches be carefully examined for 
this purpose before coming off the roofs. The contents 
of area of roofs may easily be obtained by dividing the 
various parts into triangles, parallelograms or squares, 
according to the shape of the roofs. The pointing of 

raggles and skews may be taken also when upon the roofs 

# 

and jotted down, and any other work done by slater. 




FORM IN NOTE BOOK 


PLASTER WORK 


Upper Floor of one Tenement 

3 coats polished plaster on ceiling of parlor, 

south house.13-6X1U-6 

Walls square.47-OX 9-6 

Deduct 1 window. 5-0X 8-6 

2 doors. all 6-OX 7-0 

8"X6" cornice as walls.Lineal feet 47-0 

4 miters . 

1 center flower 4-0 diameter. 

1 coat plaster behind window linings, breast... 7-0X35-6 
1 coat plaster behind window linings, sides, 2 ea 1-0X7-0 
1 coat plaster behind press lining. 3-0X7-0 

3 coats polished plaster ceiling of bedroom... .12-0x8-0 

Walls square.40-0x9-6 

6X4 cornice as walls .Lineal feet 40-0 

4 miters... 

Deduct 1 window from walls.4-6X8-6 

1 door.3-0X7-0 

1 coat plaster behind window linings, breast... .6-6X2-6 
1 coat plaster behind window linings, sides, 2 ea 1-0X7-0 

3 coats polished plaster ceiling of kitchen.12-0X9-0 

Except 7-0X2-0 

3 coats polished plaster walls square.42-0x9-6 

3 coats polished plaster ceiling of bed. 6-6X4-0 

3 coats polished plaster walls . 21-0X9-6 

Deduct 1 window. 5-0X8-6 

1 door to bed.2 sides each 3-0X7-0 

1 door and fanlight.3-0X9-0 

1 coat plaster behind window linings, breast... 7-0X2-6 
1 coat plaster behind window linings, sides, 2 ea 1-0X7-0 

1 coat plaster in press. 3-0X7-0 

3 coats polished plaster ceiling of lobby. 8-0X7-0 

184 




























TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


185 


Walls square.30-0x9-6 

Deduct 2 doors.each 3-0X7-0 

2 doors and fanlights.each 3-0X9-0 

6"X4" cornice as walls.Lineal feet 30-0 

4 miters. 

3 coats polished plaster on ceiling of parlor, 

north house.12-10X10-0 

Walls square.45-8X9-6 

8"X6" cornice as walls.Lineal feet 45-8 

4 miters . 

1 center flower. 

1 coat plaster behind window and press linings as last 

parlor. 

3 coats polished plaster ceiling of bedroom.. .12-0X7-10 

Walls square.39-8X9-6 

6"X4" cornice as walls.Lineal feet 39-8 

4 miters.. 

Deduct 1 window, as south house. 

1 door, as south house. 

1 coat plaster at window as south house. 

3 coats polished plaster on ceiling of kitchen . .12-0X9-0 

Except 7-0X2-0 

3 coats polished plaster on walls square.42-0X9-6 

Otherwise same as kitchen in south house. 

3 coats polished plaster on ceiling of lobby-8-6x6-10 

Walls square.30-8x9- 6 

Deduct 2 doors, as south house. 

2 doors and fanlights, as south house. 

6"X4" cornice as walls.Lineal feet 30- 8 

4 miters. 


Up Two Stairs. 

All same as upper floor except: 


Height of walls .X9-0 

Height of breast of windows.X2-3 

Height of sides of windows.X7-0 

Press linings as above ... 


Up One Stair. 

All same as upper floor except: 


Height of walls ..X9-0 

Height of breast of windows.X2-3 
































186 


builders' and contractors* guide 


Height of sides of windows.X7-0 

Press linings as above . 

Ground Floor. 

3 coats polished plaster on ceiling of parlor, south 

house. .13-6 X 8-6 

Walls square.41-OX 10-0 

Deduct 1 window. 5-0 X 8-6 

1 door. 3-OX 7-0 

8"X6" cornice as walls...Lineal feet 44-0 

4 miters. 

1 center fiower. 

1 coat plaster behind window linings, breast... .7-0X3-0 
1 coat plaster behind window linings, sides, 2 ea 1-0X7-0 
1 coat press lining as above... 

3 coats polished plaster on ceiling of bedroom. 12-OX 8-0 

Walls square.40-0X10-0 

6"X4" cornice as walls.Lineal feet 40-0 

4 miters . 

3 coats deduct 1 window.4-6X8-6 

1 door.3-OX 7-0 

1 coat plaster behind window linings, breast... .6-6X2-6 
1 coat plaster behind window linings, sides, 2 ea 1-0X7-0 

3 coats polished plaster ceiling of kitchen.12-0x9-0 

Except 7-0X2-0 

3 coats polished plaster walls square.42-0x10-0 

3 coats polished plaster ceiling of bed.6-6 X 4-0 

3 coats polished plaster walls.21-0X10-0 

Deduct 1 window.5-0 X 8-6 

1 door to bed.2 sides each 3-OX 7-0 

1 door and fanlight.3-OX 9-0 

1 coat plaster behind window lining, breast... .7-OX 2-6 

1 coat plaster behind window lining, sides, 2 ea 1-0X 7-0 

1 coat plaster in press .3-OX 7-0 

3 coats polished plaster ceiling of lobby.8-0X 7-0 

Walls square.30-0X10-0 

Deduct 2 doors each.3-0X7-0 

2 doors and fanlights.each 3-0X 9-0 

6"X4" cornice as walls.Lineal feet 30-0 

4 miters. 

3 coats polished plaster on ceiling of parlor, 

north house...12-10X 9-0 


































TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


187 


Walls square.43-8x10-0 

Deduct 1 window, same as in south house. 

1 door, same as in south house. 

8"X6" cornice of walls.Lineal feet 43-8 

4 miters . 

1 center flower. 

1 coat plaster behind window linings, breast_7-0X3-0 

1 coat plaster behind window linings, sides, 2 ea 1-0X7-0 

1 coat plaster behind press lining as above. 

3 coats polished plaster on ceiling of bedroom. 12-OX 8-0 

Walls square.40-0x10-0 

Deduct 1 window. 4-6X 8-6 

1 door. 3-0 X 7-0 

1 coat plaster behind window linings same as in south 

house . 

3 coats polished plaster ceiling of kitchen... .12-OX 9-0) 

Except 7-0 X 2-0 ) 

3 coats polished plaster on walls.42-0X10-0 

3 coats polished plaster ceiling of bed.6-6X 4-0 

3 coats polished plaster walls.21-0X10-0 

Deduct 1 window.5-0 X 8-6 

1 door to bed .. ..2 sides each 3-OX 7-0 

1 door and fanlight.3-OX 9-0 

1 coat plaster behind window and press linings, same 

as in south house . 

3 coats polished plaster ceiling of lobby.8-OX 7-0 

Walls square.30-0X10-0 

Deduct 2 doors.each 3-0X 7-0 

2 doors and fanlights.each 3-OX 9-0 

6"X4" cornice as walls.Lineal feet 30-0 

4 miters. 


Staircase and Closs. 


3 coats polished plaster on ceiling of staircase. 17-OX 9-0 


Walls square. 52-0X40-6 

Add on newel . 19-0X31-0 

Add on ceilings of landings.3 each 9-OX 4-0 

Add on ceiling of closs. 20-0X 4-0 

Add on walls of closs .. 40-0X10-0 

Add on walls of closs next back. 36-OX 9-0 

Deduct 3 stair windows.each 4-6X 8-0 

8 entrance doors.each 4-OX 8-6 




































188 


BUILDERS* AND CONTRACTORS* GUIDE 


Cement on lower walls of stair and newal, 

etc. 

Portland cement on lower walls of staircase, 


newal, etc. 

Rounding plaster corners .3 

4 

8 

Relieving wood corner beads.5 


7 

Bedding and pointing 24 window cases....., 


.250-0X4-6 

250-0X 4-6 
each 10-0 
each 6-0 
each 9-0 
each 3-0 
each 6-0 












FORM IN NOTE BOOK 


PLUMBER WORK 

In measuring the roof work you can only measure the 
various items so far as you can get conveniently within 
their reach and proceed along the roof in the direction 
which will enable you to overtake all the work thereon, so 
that the different pieces of material will require to be 
arranged in proper order when making out the complete 
measurement. 


ROOF AND OUTSIDE WORK 

7 lb. sheet lead lining center gutter.26-0x2-6 

6 lb. sheet lead ridge of roof.40-0X1-3 

6 lb. sheet lead piends.4 each 30-0x1-3 

6 lb. sheet lead flank.32-0X1-6 

5 lb. sheet lead apron round chimneystalks, 4 ea. 24-0X1-3 
5 lb. sheet lead skews at chimney stalks, 8 each 12-0X1-6 

*Lead batts in raggles.4 each 24-0 

80 galvanized iron straps for ridge and piends. 

5"X4" castiron moulded eave gutter.60-0 

2 castiron moulded close ends. 

2 castiron drops or outlets. 

2 copper rose gratings in gutters. 

3" lead bends from gutters.2 each 3-0 

Ay^'X&A" castiron conductors from roofs . .2 each 40-0 

2 cast iron bends at bottom. 

10 castiron ornamental ears. 

2 castiron ornamental cistern heads. 

3" castiron round conductors and waste pipes 

from jawboxes.2 each 56-0 

branches.8 each 6-0 

2 castiron single bends or shoes at bottom. 

2 castiron offsets at top. 


189 





















190 BUILDERS* AND CONTRACTORS* GUIDE 

8 castiron branch pieces for waste pipes. 

8 castiron branch horns cast on. 

4 l / 2 " castiron soil pipes from water-closets.. .2 each 40-0 

2 castiron bends with heel rests at bottom. 

8 castiron horns for branches. 

8 castiron branch pieces. 

A l / 2 " castiron light air pipe above soil pipe.. .2 each 10-0 
2 cowls for top of light air pipe. 

INSIDE WORK 

Upper Floor 

lead main upright supply pipe (11 lbs. per yard) to 


sinks.2 each 10-0 

y 2 " lead branch to upright supply pipe.2 each 1-6 

2 white enameled sinks, per estimate. 


2 hydraulic drawn 5" traps of 7 lb. lead. 

2 brass table washers with plugs and chains. 

2 heavy brass nose cocks. 

2 lead collars connecting horns. 

1 y 2 " galvanized iron service pipe to water-closets, 2 ea 10-0 

Labor forming 2 offsets on service pipe. 

yy lead upright supply to water-closets (11 lbs. 


per yard) .2 each 10-0 

y 2 lead branches (7 lbs. per yard) ...2 each 3-0 


Up Two Stairs 

All same as upper floor. 

Up One Stair 

All same as up 2 stairs. 

Ground Floor 

All same as up 1 stair. 

K" lead main supply pipe (11 lbs. per yard) from 

street to inside of building.60-0 

2 brass underground stop cocks on supply. 

2 brass screwed ferrules . 

1 castiron stop cock case. 

1 castiron horse shoe cover.-.. 

1 brass cleansing cock with coupling tail. 

1 malleable iron stop cock key . 





























FORM IN NOTE BOOK 


PAINTER WORK 


Upper Floor of 1 Tenement 

1 coat oil paint and size tinting ceiling of 

parlor, south house.13-6X10-0 ) 

Off cornice.1-4 and 1-4 f 

1 coat oil paint and size tinting cornice, girding 

about 24".47-0 

1 coat oil paint and size tinting on center flower, 

4'0" diameter.'. 

Supplying 8 pieces paper for walls.. 

Sizing for and hanging for 8 pieces. 

3 coats oil paint, grained imitation oak on window and 

shutters. r .24-0X7-0 

3 coats oil paint, grained imitation oak on 

soffit. 7-OX2-0 

3 coats oil paint, grained imitation oak on 

breast.14-0x2-3 

3 coats oil paint, grained imitation oak on 1 

door. 5-0X7-6 

Superficial yards 

3 coats oil paint, grained imitation oak on skirting, 

girth 12 ".39-0 

3 coats oil paint, grained imitation oak on 1 mantelpiece 
1 coat oil paint and size tinting ceiling of bed¬ 
room . 12-0x8-0 £ 

Off cornice.TO and 1-0 ) 

1 coat oil paint and size tinting cornice, girding 

about 15". 40-0 

Supplying 6 pieces paper for walls. 

Sizing for and hanging 6 pieces. 

3 coats oil paint in shades on window and bound 

lining.9-0X7-3 

3 coats oil paint in shades on soffit.6-0X2-0 

191 



























192 


builders’ and contractors’ guide 


3 coats oil paint in shades on breast.7-6X2-6 

3 coats oil paint in shades on 1 door.5-0X7-6 


Superficial yards 

3 coats oil paint in shades on skirting, girth 10". 

3 coats of oil paint in shades on 1 small mantel piece... 

Size tinting ceiling of kitchen.12-0X9-0 

Size tinting walls of kitchen.42-0X9-0 

Size tinting ceiling of bed. 6-6X4-0 

Size tinting walls. 21-0x9-0 

Deduct 1 window. 5 0x8-6 

1 door to bed.2 sides each 3-0X7-0 

1 door and fanlight.. 3-0X9-0 


Superficial yards 

3 coats oil paint in shades on woodwork of 

window. 7-6X7-3 

3 coats oil paint in shades on woodwork of 

soffit. 4-6X2-0 

3 coats oil paint in shades on woodwork of 

breast. 8-0X2-3 

3 coats oil paint in shades on woodwork of 1 

door . 5-0X7-6 

3 coats oil paint in shades on woodwork of 1 

door and fanlight. 5-0X9-0 

3 coats oil paint in shades on lining enclosing 

dresser.12-0X3-0 

3 coats oil paint in shades on lining enclosing 

sink. 6-0X3-0 


Superficial yards 

3 coats oil paint in shades on skirting, girth 6".. 20-0 

Painting stone jambs and lintel of fireplace, 3 coats black 


Size tinting ceiling of lobby . 8-0X7-0 ) 

Off cornice. 1-0 and 1-0 ) 

Size tinting walls. 30-0x9-0 

Deduct 2 doors.each 3-0X7-0 

2 doors and fanlights.each 3-0X9-0 

Superficial yards 

3 coats oil paint in shades on plain cornice, girding 

about 12". 30-0 

3 coats oil paint in shades on 2 doors_2 each 4-6X7-0 

3 coats oil paint in shades on 2 doors and fan¬ 
lights .each 4-6 X 9-0 

Superficial yards 


33-0 













































TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


193 


3 coats oil paint in shades on skirting, girth 8" 18-0 

1 coat oil paint and size tinting ceiling of parlor, north 

house.12-10 XlO-O > 

Off.1-4 and 1-4 i 

1 coat oil paint and size tinting cornice, girding about 

24". 45-8 

1 coat oil paint and size tinting center flower 4' diameter, 

Supplying 8 pieces paper for walls. 

Sizing for and hanging 8 pieces. 

3 coats oil paint, grained imitation oak and 1 

coat varnish on window and shutters.24-0X7-0 

3 coats oil paint, grained imitation oak and 1 

coat varnish on soffit. 7-0X2-0 

3 coats oil paint, grained'imitation oak and 1 

coat varnish on breast.14-0x2-3 

3 coats oil paint, grained imitation oak and 1 

coat varnish on 1 door. 5-0X7-6 

Superficial yards 

3 coats oil paint, grained imitation oak and 1 

coat varnish on skirting, girth 12" . 37-0 

3 coats oil paint, grained imitation oak and 1 coat 

varnish on 1 mantel piece. 

1 coat oil paint and size tinting ceiling of bed¬ 
room . 12-0X7-10 ) 

Off cornice.1-0 and 1-0 1 

1 coat oil paint and size tinting cornice, gird¬ 
ing about 15". 39-8 

Supplying 6 pieces paper for walls. 

Sizing and hanging 6 pieces. 

3 coats oil paint in shades on window and 

bound lining.9-0X i -3 

3 coats oil paint in shades on soffit.G-OX2-0 

3 coats oil paint in shades on breast.7-6X2-6 

3 coats oil paint in shades on 1 door.5-0X7-G 

Superficial yards 

3 coats oil paint in shades on skirting, girth 10"-32-0 

3 coats oil paint in shades on small mantelpiece. 

Size tinting ceiling of kitchen.12-0X9-0 ) 

Except 7-0X2-0 ) 

Size tinting walls.42-0X9-0 

Size tinting ceiling of bed. 6-6X4-0 

Size tinting walls.21-0X9-0 

































194 


BUILDERS* AND CONTRACTORS* GUIDE 


Deduct 1 window. 5-0X8-6 

1 door to bed.2 sides each 3-0X7-0 

1 door and fanlight . 3-0X9-0 

Superficial yards 

3 coats oil paint in shades on woodwork of 

window. 7-6X7-3 

3 coats oil paint in shades on soffit. 4-6X2-0 

3 coats oil paint in shades on breast . 8-0X2-3 

3 coats oil paint in shades on 1 door. 5-0X7-6 

3 coats oil paint in shades on 1 door and 

fanlight. 5-0X9-0 

3 coats oil paint in shades on lining enclosing 

dresser.12-0X3-0 

3 coats oil paint in shades on lining enclosing 

sink. 6-0X3-0 

Superficial yards 


3 coats oil paint in shades on skirting, girth 6".20-0 

Painting stone jambs and lintel of fireplace 3 


coats black. 

Size tinting ceiling of lobby. 8-0X7-0 ) 

Off cornice ......1-0 and 1-0 ) 

Size tinting walls ..30-0X9-0 

Deduct 2 doors.each 3-0X7-0 

2 doors and fanlights.each 3-0X9-0 

Superficial yards 

3 coats oil paint in shades on plain cornice, girding 

about 12". 30-0 

3 coats oil paint in shades on doors.2 each 4-6X7-0 

3 coats oil paint in shades on 2 doors and 

fanlights.each 4-6 X 9-0 

Superficial yards 


3 coats oil paint in shades on skirting, girth 8".. lineal feet 18-0 


Staircase and Closs 


Size tinting ceiling of staircase. 17-OX 9-0 

Size tinting walls. 52-0x40-6 

Size tinting newal. 19-0X31-0 

Size tinting ceilings of landings 3 each. 9-0X4-0 

Size tinting ceiling of closs. 20-0X 4-0 

Size tinting walls of closs. 40-0x10-0 

Size tinting walls of closs next back. 0 .. 36-OX 9-0 
















































TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


Deduct 3 stair windows.each 4-6X 8-0 

8 entrance doors.each 4-OX 8-6 

Cement on lower walls of stair and newal, etc.. 250-0 X 4-6 

Superficial yards 

3 coats oil paint on Portland cement lower 

walls.250-0x4-6 

3 coats oil paint grained imitation oak and 1 

coat varnish on 8 entrance doors.each 5-0X8-6 


3 coats oil paint on outside of 24 windows 












ABBREVIATIONS THAT MAY BE USED IN 

NOTE BOOK 


Altn. 

for Alteration 

Fit. 

for 

Fanlight 

Addn. 


Addition 

Frt. 

U 

Front 

Astrl. 

a 

Astragal 

F. P. 

ii 

Fireplace 

Archve. 

a 

Architrave 

Ft. 

a 

Foot 

Abt. 

a 

About 

Fcg. 

a 

Facing 

Adjn. 

<< 

Adjoin 

Fa. 

a 

Facia 

Agt. 

a 

Against 

FI. 

a 

Floor 

Bm. 

a 

Bottom 

Frd. 

a 

Framed 

Bk. 

a 

Back 

Fd. 

a 

Found 

Bn. 

a 

Button 

Fltd. 

a 

Fluted 

Br. 

a 

Brick 

Grd. 

a 

Ground 

Blk. 

• u 

Black 

Gd. 

a 

Good 

Borlt. 

a 

Borrowedlight 

Gld. 

a 

Glazed 

Brwbd. 

a 

Browband 

Galv. 

a 

Galvanized 

Brs. 

a 

Brass 

Gtg. 

a 

Grating 

Bd. 

a 

Bound 

Gl. 

a 

Glass 

Bdd. 

a 

Beaded 

G. p. 

a 

Gas pipe 

C. i. 

a 

Cast iron 

Hd. 

(t 

Head or hard 

Csn. 

a 

Cistern 

Hdwd. 

a 

Hardwood 

Cambd. 

a 

Cambered 

HI. 

a 

Heel 

Ck. 

a 

Cock 

Hdlt. 

a 

Headlight 

Chk. 

a 

Check 

Hy. p. 

a 

Heavy pipe 

Clk. 

ii 

Cloak 

H. d. 

a 

Hammer dressed 

Cld. 

a 

Cleaned 

Hfdrsd. 

a 

Half-dressed 

Chfd. 

a 

Chamfered 

Hn. 

a 

Hewn 

Drsd. 

a 

Dressed 

Hy. 

a 

Heavy 

Drsr. 

a 

Dresser 

Inbd. 

a 

Inbond 

Ded. 

u 

Deduct 

Ingo. 

a 

Ingoing 

Dedn. 

ii 

Deduction 

Intd. 

a 

Introduced 

Dr. 

a 

Door 

Incld. 

a 

Include 

Dble. 

a 

Double 

In. 

a 

Inch 

D. T. 

a 

Dressed top 

Impd. 

a 

Improved 

Diarnr. 

a 

Diameter 

Jt 

iC 

Joint 

Digl. 

a 

Diagonal 

Jd. 

i‘ 

Joined 

Dl. 

a 

Deal 

Jst. 

a 

Joist 

Est. 

a 

Estimate 

Jb. 

a 

Jamb 

Ex. 

a 

Except 

Jwbx. 

a 

Jawbox 

Excl. 

a 

Exclusive 

Jb. 

a 

Jamb 

Exct. 

a 

Excellent 

Japd. 

a 

Japanned 

Enel. 

a 

Enclose 

K. p. 

a 

King post 

Entd. 

<< 

Entered 

Knd. 

a 

Knee’d 

Enfd. 

<( 

Enforced 

Kb. 

a 

Knob 

Elev. 


Elevator 

L. 

a 

Lintel or lath 

Ent. 

a 

Entrance 

Ld. 

a 

Lead or laid 

Fr. 

a 

Frame 

Lvd. 

a 

Leaved 


196 



TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


197 


Lifd. 

for 

Lifted 

R. p. 

for 

Red pine 

Ling. 

44 

Lining 

Retd. 

44 

Returned 

Lvl. 

44 

Level 

Relvd. 

44 

Relieved 

Mr. 

44 

Miter 

Rd. 

44 

Round or raised 

M. P. 

44 

Mantelpiece 

Rdd. 

44 

Rounded 

Mt. 

44 

Mount 

R. p. m. 

44 

Raised planted 

Mtd. 

44 

Mounted 



mouldings 

Min. 

44 

Mullion 

Rble. 

44 

Rubble 

Mdd. 

44 

Moulded 

Reded. 

44 

Reduced 

Mdg. 

44 

Moulding 

Recvd. 

44 

Received 

Mdn. 

41 

Modillion 

S. L. 

44 

Safe lintel 

Md. 

44 

Mould 

Scun. 

44 

Scuncheon 

Mble. 

44 

Marble 

S. f. a. 

44 

Single facia 

Mvble. 

44 

Movable 



architrave 

No. 

44 

Number 

Sidelt. 

44 

Sidelight 

Nted. 

44 

Noted 

Std. 

44 

Standard 

Nr. 

44 

Near 

St. 

44 

Stone 

Ntchd. 

44 

Notched 

Shr. 

44 

Shutter 

Numbd. 

44 

Numbered 

Sctlg. 

44 

Scantling 

Nt. 

44 

Neat 

Sk. 

44 

Sunk or Sink 

0. P. 

44 

Oil paint 

Tend. 

44 

Tenoned 

Ornt. 

44 

Ornament 

Td. 

44 

Turned 

Ornl. 

44 

Ornamental 

T. b. 

44 

Tie beam 

Outbd. 

44 

Outbond 

Utl. 

44 

Utensil 

Oft. 

44 

Offset 

U. b. 

44 

Utensil belting 

Pt. 

44 

Paint 

Venr. 

44 

Veneer 

Pd. 

44 

Panelled 

Ventr. 

44 

Ventilator 

Pd. 

44 

Pound or paid 

Ventn. 

44 

Ventilation 

Ptd. 

44 

Painted or 

Verb 

44 

Vertical 



pointed 

W. p. 

44 

White pine 

Pltd. 

44 

Planted 

Wrt. 

44 

Wrought 

Ptg. 

44 

Painting 

W. p. 

44 

Wallplate 

Prtn. 

44 

Partition 

W. p. 

44 

Waste pipe 

Petn. 

44 

Petition 

Wl. press 

44 

Wall press 

Q. p. 

44 

Queen post 

Y. p. 

44 

Yellow pine 







PART II 


Tables, Rules and Memoranda for Obtain 
ing Quick Results in Measurement of 
Areas, Solids and Contents 


PRACTICAL MEASUREMENT OF GEOMET¬ 
RICAL AREAS 

In the following series of problems it will be shown 
how to find the area of any geometrical figure, without 
any calculation whatever, by simply drawing a tew lines 
(only two or three in many cases) and then taking one 
measurement. The problems are supplemented by notes 
explaining how to apply the methods to large areas, the 
final measurements being taken on a suitable scale when 
the area is being found from scale drawings. 

(l) Given any rectangle 
and one side of another rect¬ 
angle; to complete the latter 
so that the two areas may 
be equal. (See Fig. l). Only 
one construction line is neces¬ 
sary to solve this problem. Let A B C D (big. 1) 
be the given rectangle, and D E (marked off on AD, pro¬ 
duced) the given side of the other rectangle. Join E C, and 
produce it to meet A B, produced, in F. Then B F is 
the other side required' to complete the other rectangle. 











200 builders’ and contractors’ guide 

In other words, the length B F multiplied by the length 
D E exactly the same result as multiplying A B by A D, 
which, of course, gives the area of the rectangle ABC 
D. A very important use is made of this result in 
Problem 3. It may be stated that when a terminated 
straight line is extended or lengthened, this is called 
“producing ,, the line, and the line so treated is said to be 

“produced.” 

(2) Given any square 
and one side of a rectan¬ 
gle; to complete the lat¬ 
ter so that the two 
areas may be equal. 

This is identical with 
Problem 1, since a square 
may be considered as a rectangle. 

(3) To find the area of any rectangle. (See Fig. 2). 

This is a very important problem, since all the areas 
are reduced to rectangles in this series. Take, as 
example, the rectangle A B C D (Fig. 2). Produce one 
side, as A D, and mark off D E, one inch long. Join E 
C, and produce it to meet A B, produced, in F. Then 
measure B F to obtain the required area—that is, find the 
number of inches in B F and call them square inches. 
The reason for this is that the area of the rectangle A B 
C D is equal to B F times D E (see Problem l), and D E 
has been made one inch by construction; therefore the 
required area equals B F (in inches) times one. Notes— 
If, by using a line one inch long (D E in Fig. 2), the 
intersection of lines at F, which denotes the area, become 











TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


201 


very oblique and consequently vague, a two-inch line may 
be used instead at D E, and thus obtain half the area at 
B F; or D E may be three inches, and B F multiplied by 
three to find the required area; or D E may be four 
inches, and B F multiplied by four; and so on. Again, 
for large surfaces, or in scale drawings, if D E (Fig. 2) 
is made one foot, the number of feet in B F must be 
called square feet, it being only necessary to remember, 
in this case, that any odd inches in the “area line” (B F) 
do not represent square inches, to obtain which it is 
necessary to multiply 
by twelve. Further, if / 

D E is made one yard, / \ 

the resulting area will / \ 

be in square yards, in / \ 

which case any odd feet F,c 3 

in the “area line” must be multiplied by three to con¬ 
vert them into square feet, and any odd inches by thirty- 
sixth to convert them into square inches. 

(4) To find the area of any square. 

This is solved by Problem 3, treating the square merely 
as a rectangle. Note—In the case of a square, the line B 
F (Fig. 2) is always the square of A B, and the problem 
may thus be used to obtain rapidly the square of any 
awkward number, fractional or otherwise. 

(5) To construct a square of any given area. (See 
Fig. 3.) 

Draw a line and mark off on it A B one inch long (see 
Fig. 3) and B C (in the same direction) equal to the 
required area—that is, make B C as many inches long 




202 


BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS GUIDE 


as the area contains square inches; if, for example, 
the area is to be three and five-sixteenths square inches, 
make B C three and five-sixteenths inches long. Now 
describe a semicircle on A C, and at B erect a perpen¬ 
dicular to meet the curve in D. Then B D is the side 
of square which will contain the given area. Notes— 
This method does not break down when the area con¬ 
tains awkward fractions, but is quite as easy and cor¬ 
rect for fractional areas as for simple cases. A B 
(Fig. 3) must always be one inch if the area is in 
square inches. If, however, the area is given in square 



feet, use a line one foot long at A B, and if there are any 
odd square inches in the area, they must be divided by 
twelve before being included in the “area line” (B C). 
Suppose, for example, a square is required containing 
eight square feet, 102 square inches. Now 102 divided by 
twelve is eight and one-half; therefore make A B one foot, 
and B C eight feet, eight and one-half inches. Then B D is 
the side of the required square. If the area is given in 
square yards, etc., make A B one yard, and divide the 
odd feet in area by three and the odd inches by thirty-six. 

(6) Given one side of a rectangle; to construct the 
figure so as to contain any given area. (See Fig. 4). 









TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


203 


A B (Fig. 4) is made equal to the given side. Pro¬ 
duce it and mark off B C equal to the given area—that is, 
if the area is to be, say, three and one-quarter square 
inches, then B C must be made three and one-quarter 
inches long. Draw perpendiculars at A and C, one on 
each side of the line. Mark off A D on the perpendicular 
at A equal to one inch. Join D B, and produce it to meet 
the other perpendicular in E. Then C E is the required 
side of rectangle. Note—A D must always be placed at 
the end of the given side, not at the “area” end of the 
line. A D must always be one inch if the area is given 
in square inches; if it is 
given in square feet or 
square yards, see note to 
Problem 5. 

(7) To find the area 
of any rhomboid. (See 
Fig. 5). 

Take, as example, the 
rhomboid A B G H (Fig. 

5). From A and B draw perpendiculars to meet G H (or G 
H produced) in C and D. Then the rectangle A B C D 
equals in area the rhomboid A B G H. Proceed to find 
the area of the rectangle, and consequently of the 
rhomboid, as in Problem 3. D E is made one inch, and 
then, B F being two and one-half inches, the area of the 
rhomboid is two and one-half square inches. 

(8) To find the area of any rhombus. 

Proceed exactly as in Problem 7. 

(9) To find the area of any four-sided figure with 









204 


BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS GUIDE 



C A 


( 10 ) 


two parallel and two non-parallel sides (trapezoid). (See 
Fig. 6). 

Through the middle 
points of the non-parallel 
sides draw perpendiculars 
to the parallel sides (or the 
parallel sides produced), 
and thus obtain a rectangle 
equal in area to the trape¬ 
zoid. In Fig. 6. 

To find the area of any triangle. (See Fig. 7.) 

Take, as example, the triangle ABC (Fig. 7). 
From one angle C draw a perpendicular C D to the 
opposite side A B; bisect this perpendicular by a line 
parallel to A B. From A and B draw perpendiculars to 
meet this bisecting line in E and F. Then the rectangle 
A B E F equals the triangle A B C in area. Again, by 
Problem 3, A G being 1 in., F H gives the required area; 
in this case it is 2/^in. Notes:—Any of the three sides 
of a triangle may be 
taken as “base,” ac- I 
cording to conve- ^ 
nience, and the “alti- ™ 
tude” measured 
perpendicularly from 
the base to the oppo¬ 
site angle. A rect¬ 
angle can then be 
constructed with the same base and half the altitude, 
or half the base and the same altitude. In an irregular 















TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


205 


triangle, therefore, there are at least six different 
rectangles, any of which can be used to find its area. 

(11) To find the 
area of any irregular 
four-sided figure (tra¬ 
pezium). (Fig. 8). 

Take, as example, 
the irregular quadri¬ 
lateral A B C D (Fig. 

8). Draw one diago¬ 
nal A C; draw perpen¬ 
diculars to this diagonal from the other two angles B and 
D, and through the middle points E and F of these perpen¬ 
diculars draw parallels to the diagonal A C; and, lastly, 
through the extremities A and C of the diagonal draw 
perpendiculars to it to meet these parallels in G H J K. 
Then the rectangle G H J I( equals in area the irregular 
figure A B C D. Now proceed by problem 3 to find this 
area. K L (Fig. 8) measures 2iV in., therefore the area 
of A B C D is 2yV sq. in. 

(12) To find the area of any regular hexagon. (See 

Fig. 9). 

The hexagon and the 
octagon (Problem 13, Fig. 
10) lend themselves to very 
neat special solutions; they 
could, of course, both be 
F treated by the general meth¬ 
od for regular polygons 
given in Problem 14 (Fig. ll). Let A, B and C 
















206 


BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS GUIDE 


be three alternate angles of the hexagon, as in Fig. 
9. Join A B and produce indefinitely. Produce also the 
two sides which are at right angles to A B, as A E and B 
D (Fig. 9). Through C draw a parallel to A B to meet 
the two last produced lines in E and D. Then the rect¬ 
angle A B D E equals the hexagon in area. Again 
applying Problem 3, B F measures nearly 2 in., and 
therefore the hexagon in Fig. 9 contains 2 sq. in. nearly. 
Note:—To find the area of large hexagonal surfaces, 
simply multiply the two lengths A B and C G (Fig. 9) 

together. 

(13) To find the area 
of any regular octagon. 
(See Fig. 10). 

It can be readily 
shown that in any regu¬ 
lar octagon the area of 
the rectangle made by joining the extremities of two 
opposite sides is exactly half the area of the octagon, 
as A B C D (Fig. 10). Hence the following method 
for finding the area. Produce two opposite sides until 
their length is doubled; thus D E and C F are made equal 
to A D and B C. Join E F, and then the area of the entire 
rectangle A B F E will equal the area of the octagon. 

B G, obtained by Problem 3, measures lj's in., conse- 
• 

quently the octagon contains 1% sq. in. Notes:— 
For large octagonal surfaces multiply twice the length 
of the side by the direct distance across from side to side. 
The area of any even -sided regular polygon can be found 
as in Fig. 10 by making A E and B F each equal to a 















TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


207 


quarter of the total boundary. For instance, in a duo- 
decagon (twelve sides) A D and B C must be made equal 
to three sides. 

(14) To find the area of any regular polygon. (See 
Fgi. 11.) 

Produce one of the sides until the total length equals 
half the perimeter or boundary (see note at end of Prob¬ 
lem 14). In Fig. 11 the polygon (pentagon) has five sides; 
therefore one side, A B, is extended to C, so that the 
whole line ABC equals 2 p 2 
sides. Now draw a parallel 
through O, the center of the 
figure, to meet perpendicu¬ 
lars from A and B, in E 
and D. Then the rectangle 
A C D E again equals the 
given figure in area. The 
length of A F, found by 
Problem 3, is \ Y\ in.; the 
area of polygon is there¬ 
fore sq. in. Notes:—To make B C (Fig. 11) equal 
to half the boundary, proceed in this way: Mark G 
the point directly opposite to A. Then with the 
angle H as center, swing G round until it is in a 
line with the next side (B H) at K; then go to the next 
angle B and swing K round again until in a line with the 
next side at C, and so on. In Fig. 11 no more swinging 
round is necessary, but for a greater number of sides the 
operation must be continued until half the boundary has 
been unwound, as it were, into a straight line. To find 








208 


BUILDERS* AND CONTRACTORS* GUIDE 



the center of any regular polygon with an odd number of 
sides, draw a line from any angle to the middle point of 
the opposite side; this line contains the center, and if 

another angle and side are similarly 
treated the required center is the 
intersection of the two lines (dotted 
in Fig. 11). Of course, if the 
number of sides is even, simply 
join opposite corners twice. 

F,al2 (15) To find the area of any 

irregular figure with more than four sides (See Fig. 12). 

If the number of sides is even, divide the area into 
quadrilaterals, and find the area of each quadrilateral as in 
Problem 11, and then add these areas; if odd, divide it 
into quadrilaterals and one triangle, as indicated by dotted 
lines in Fig. 12; treat the former by Problem 11 and the 
latter by Problem 10. This method is far less confusing 
and consequently more reliable than reducing the whole 
figure to one triangle equal to it in area (on the principle 
of triangles of equal base 
and altitude being equal). 

Moreover, the results will 
be more correct in the long 
run. 

(16) To find the area of 
any circle. (See Fig. 13). 

On the diameter A B 



Tio. 13 


(Fig. 13) construct an equilateral triangle ABC; 
produce the sides C A and C B to meet the tangent 
drawn parallel to the diameter, A B, in D and E; 











TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


209 


from D and E draw perpendiculars to meet the diam¬ 
eter produced in F and G. Then the rectangle F D 
E G equals the circle in area (see note), and D H equals 
area of circle in square inches as before. Note: The 
length D E (Fig. 13) is generally accepted in staircase 
work, handrailing, etc., as being equal to half the circum¬ 
ference of the circle. As a matter of fact, half the cir¬ 
cumference equals 3.141592, etc., times the radius of the 
circle, while the length B C equals 3.154705, etc., times 
the radius, showing an error of .013113 too much; so 
that the results obtained by the preceding method are a 
little over 2-5 per cent in excess of the actual areas, or an 
excess of .00416 in. (about 1-250 in.) to every square 
inch. This will be near enough for most practical pur¬ 
poses, but where greater accuracy is required the fore¬ 
going figures are taken in order that the excess may be 
subtracted from the result obtained. 

(17) To find the area of any sector of 
a circle. (See Fig. 14). 

The most practical method of solving 
this problem is to find what part of the 
whole circle the sector ABC (Fig. 14) represents; 
this can be done by measuring the angle ABC and 
comparing it with 360°. For instance, 30° is one- 
twelfth of 360°; 36°, one-tenth; 40°, one-ninth; 45°, 
one-eighth; 60°, one-sixth; 67P2 0 , three-sixteenths, 
etc. In Fig. 14 the angle is 120°, or one-third of 360°. 
Now construct a rectangle equal to the whole circle 
by Problem 16 (Fig. 13), and then take off the part 
required. In the case given in Fig. 14 it will be neces- 



210 


builders' and contractors^ guide 


sary, after obtaining the rectangle for the whole circle, to 
take one-third of the rectangle as the required area of the 

sector ABC. 

* 

(18) To find the area of any segment of a circle. 
(See Fig. 15). 



Fia 15 78 


When the segment A B C is less than a 
semi-circle, as in Fig. 15, find the area of the 
whole sector A B C D, of which it forms a 
part, as in Problem 17, and then subtract the 
area of the triangle A B D, which is found by Problem 
10. If the segment is more than a semi-circle, find the 
area of the whole circle as in Problem 16, and then sub¬ 
tract the small segment not required. 

(19) To find the area of any surface bounded by 
straight lines and circular arcs. (See Fig. 16). 

Join the extremities of the arcs to the centers from 
which they are struck when these centers are within the 
limits of the area being measured; when the centers are 
outside the area simply cut off the arcs 
by their respective chords. Then treat 
the separate portions as an irregular 
polygon (by Problem 15), and sectors or 0 
segments of circles (by Problems 17 and 
18). Suppose, for instance, such an area 
as shown shaded in Fig. 16 is to be meas¬ 
ured. A is the center of the circular corner, 
the segment on B C is at first included for convenience, and 
the area of the whole triangle ABC (found by Problem 
10) is added to the areas of quadrilaterals A B D E and A 
CFG (found by Problem ll) and the area of the sector 



The area of 











TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


211 


AEG (found by Problem 17). Finally, the segment B C 
(found by Problem 18) is subtracted. It is possible by a 
little manipulation to treat any area in a similar manner. 

(20) To find the area of any ellipse. (See Fig. 17). 

On one side of the minor axis A B (Fig. 17) describe 

a semi-circle A B D, and on the other side construct an 
equilateral triangle A B C; tangent to the semi-circle 
draw F G, parallel to the minor axis A B, and on the 
same side of the latter another parallel through the vortex 
H of the ellipse; produce the sides C B and C A of the 
equilateral triangle to meet the tangent to the semi-circle 
in F and G; through F and 
G draw perpendiculars to *| x. 

meet the minor axis pro- *- 

duced, and the parallel 
through the vertex in J, K, 

L and M. Then the area 
of the rectangle J K L M 
equals the area of the ellipse 
subject to the slight discrepancy referred to in the note 
at the foot of Problem 16. Therefore, to find the area 
of the ellipse find the area of this rectangle K M by the 
method shown in Problem 3. 

(21) To find the difference between any two geomet¬ 
rical areas. 

Represent each area by a single line as shown in the 
preceding problems, and then apply the area lines’’ one 
over the other to discover their difference. 

(22) To reduce any geometrical area to a triangle of 
equal area. 











212 


builders' and contractors' guide 


Reduce the area to a rectangle by the preceding prob¬ 
lems, then give the triangle the same base and twice the 
altitude of the rectangle, or twice the base and the same 
altitude. 


(23) To reduce any geometrical area to a square of 

equal area. (See Fig. 18). 

Reduce the area to a rectangle 
by the preceding problems. Then 
draw a line and mark A B equal to 
the long side and B C equal to 
the short side of the rectangle (see Fig. 18). Describe 
a semi-circle on A C, and at the juncture B of the two 
sides raise a perpendicular to meet the semi-circle in D. 
This perpendicular B D is the side of the required square. 





Abstracting 

In abstracting , the items (amount and description) are 
taken from the dimension sheets, and arranged in the 
proper order in which they will afterwards appear in the 
bill. It is usual to abstract one trade at a time, com¬ 
mencing each on a separate sheet of paper, headed with 
the name of the trade. Leave plenty of room between 
the items on the abstract paper, as crowding leads to con¬ 
fusion and mistakes. 

A general method in abstracting, in each trade, is to 
take the cubic items first, the superficial items next, then 
the items measured “run/’ and finally the numbers, 
beginning in each case with the items of least value. 
Each item as it is abstracted, is crossed through with a 
vertical line 1 9 and when all the items have been taken 
from a single dimension sheet a tick V is placed at the 
bottom. 

In taking the description of items from the dimen¬ 
sion sheet, they should be faithfully copied without altera¬ 
tion, except when extremely long, in which case a portion 
only may be written with a reference back added (as 
“etc., in sheet”)- The abstract should be checked by 
a second person, who ticks the items on the dimension 
sheet and abstract in red ink as he proceeds. 

After all the items have been abstracted, each class 
should be totalled, the deductions subtracted, the averag- 

213 





214 builders’ and contractors’ guide 

ing done if required, and the resulting figures are those 
to transfer to the bill. 

Excavator.—Abstract in order all excavations, after¬ 
wards taking the concrete, etc. To reduce feet to yards* 
divide superficial items by 9, and cubic items by 27. 

Drainage.—Commence with the smallest sized drain, 
first taking the item requiring the least excavation; follow 
in order with other depths and larger drains. 

Bricklayer.—Make four columns, as under :— 


1 brick wall. 

\y 2 brick wall. 

Deductions. 

84 

84 

1 B.W. 

\y 2 B.W. 

62 

62 




48 




24 




and abstract in these, walls of any thickness, e. g. 84 feet 
superficial of 1 or V /2 brick wall would be put in their 
respective columns, while 62 feet of 2/ brick wall would 
be abstracted as 62 feet of 1 brick wall and 62 feet of 
V /2 brick wall. 

If 48 feet superficial of 2/4 brick wall had to be 
abstracted it would appear in the V /2 brick column as 48 
feet, and again as 24 feet. The first item of 48 feet 
equals V /2 brick thick, leaving 48 feet of Y\ brick wall to 
be abstracted, which is done by halving the amount, thus 
obtaining 24 feet of V /2 brickwork, which is equal to 48 
feet of Ya wall. 

All other thickness walls could be abstracted in one or 
other of the columns by proceeding in the same way. 

When all brickwork is abstracted, total the columns, 
subtract the deductions, reduce the 1 brick wall to V /2 











TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


215 


brickwork by deducting, then reduce the 1)4 work to 
* rods by dividing it by 272. 

Facings and other items will follow. 

Mason.—Separate the different kinds of stone, with 
their labors. 

Tiler or Slater.—Take chief item of slating or tiling 
first, dividing total amount by 100 to reduce to squares. 

Carpenter.—Abstract in the usual way, taking cubic 
items first, following with the superficial, runs, numbers, 
and, lastly, any “fixings only” to ironwork. In the runs 
take the smallest sized pieces first, as 2X3, then 3X4, and 
so on. 

Joiner and Hardware.—Separate the various kinds 
of wood, first taking all the pine. Commence with 
floors, dividing by 100 to obtain the number of squares, 
then skirting, sashes and frames, doors, framings, sundries 
and lastly stairs. Follow with the hard woods, as 
mahogany, teak, oak, etc., finally the hardware and fixing. 

Iron-Work.—Take wrought iron first, the cast 
iron afterwards, bringing all to weight in cwts. Wrought 
iron and rolled iron weigh 480 lbs., and cast iron 450 lbs., 
per cubic foot. Consequently 1 foot superficial of l" 
thickness wrought iron would weigh 40 lbs., and cast 
iron 37)4 lbs. Provide columns for various thicknesses 
of iron to be abstracted, and having totalled each, reduce 
all to their equivalent in l" iron; then multiply by 40 or 
37/4 for W. or C. I. 

Plasterer.—Take plastering to ceiling and walls first, 
afterwards the cement work. Divide by 9 to reduce to 
yards superficial. 




216 builders' and contractors' guide 

Plumber.—Include in one item all lead in flats, gut¬ 
ters, and flashings (but lead in secret gutters and stepped 
flashings would be abstracted together to form another 
item). Make columns for 4-lb., 5-lb., 6-lb., and 7-lb., 
lead, under which enter the various squared dimensions; 
multiply the totals by 4, 5, 6, or 7 respectively, and add 
the same together. This gives the total weight in lbs., 
which is then reduced to cwts. 

Take all labors after the lead, and follow with the 
internal work, as pipes, W. C.’s, baths, etc. 

Gasfitter.—Pipes, beginning with the smallest, after¬ 
wards the fittings, etc. 

Hot-water Engineer.—The same order would apply 
as for “Gasfitter.” 

Bellhanger.—Bells first, and sundries afterwards. 

Painter.—Superficial items first, dividing by 9 to 
reduce to yards; then the “runs” and numbers. 

Glazier.—Take glass of least value first, arranging 
the squares in their order of “under 2 feet,” etc., com¬ 
mencing with the smallest. After glass, abstract any 
labor to that glass before proceeding to another variety. 

Paperhanger.—Although a piece of English paper is 
supposed to be 12 yards in length, it is seldom found to 
measure more than 11 yards; the width is 21”, conse¬ 
quently a piece contains about 58 ' superficial. Abstract 
the items, add \ to allow for waste in matching pattern, 
etc., then divide by 58, which gives the number of pieces; 
any amount over a piece to be counted as a full piece. 
American and French papers only measure 18” wide, and 
are about 9 yards long, containing 40/4' superficial; 








TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


217 


therefore to obtain the number of pieces divide by 40 
instead of 58. 

The totals of abstract on completion should be checked 
by a second person, in order to avoid mistakes being inad¬ 
vertently made and to ensure that everything is correct. 





Examples of Abstracting 


The dimensions shown are obtained from the examples 
previously taken off. 


EXCAVATOR 


cube. 

Ex. and cart away. 

2092 9 Ddt. 

671 0 585 11 

2763 9 
585 11 D. 

27 )2177 10 

80H yards. 

Ex. R.F. and R. 

27 )585 11 

21| yards. 

Ex. to basement trenches, 
part R.F. and R. 

27 )218 2 

2j If yards. 

Ex. to basement trenches, 
and cart away. 

27 )290 10 

10|$ yards. 

Ex. to surface trenches, 
part R.F. and R. 

27 )101 0 

3§° yards. 

cube. 

Ex. to surface trenches 
and cart away. 

27 )50 6 

Iff yards. 


Brick core filling, 
rammed and levelled. 

27)42 0 ' 

If yards. 

sup. 

Remove top soil 6" deep, wheel 
and spread where directed. 

380”6 

122 0 

9 )502 6 
55 & yards. 

cube. 

Concrete in trenches, 

6 ballast to 1 P. cement 

290 10 
50 6 

27 )341 4 

12^ yards. 


sup. 

6" concrete AB levelled top. 

226 4 
69 0 

9 )295 4 
32£ yards. 

No. 

Cement concrete over trim¬ 
mers, levelled up for hearths. 


218 



























TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


219 


DRAINAGE 


run. 

4" glazed stoneware drain, 
jointed in cement and dig¬ 
ging av.3'3", and 6" cement 
concrete under and around 
pipes. 

46~3 

4" drain AB laid in tunnel, 
including strutting, 

(TO “ 

4" drain AB and digging av. 

6' in road. 

10 0 

4" drain and digging for 
air inlet. 

To 

Nos. 

Extra to 4" bends. 

2 

1 

3 

E. to intercepting trap with in¬ 
specting arm and stopper, in¬ 
cluding extra digging, con¬ 
crete and bedding in cement. 

I 

Nos. 

Bull-nose slipper trap and 
channel with 4" outlet and 
gald. iron grating. 

1 

Connect to sewer, including 
eye._ 

1 

Connect to 4" trap. 

1 

Connect to 4" 
soil pipe._ 


run. 

4" gald. R.W. pipe. 

3 0 

No. 

Gald. iron mica flap air inlet 
for 4" pipe. 

1 

Connect R.W. pipe to drain 
and air inlet. 

“ 2 

Provide lighting and watching 
Pay all fees to local authorities 


Following in small quantities 
to inspection chambers. 


cube. 


Ex. and cart 

away. 

80 10 

Ddt. 

152 9 

40 4 

53 10 

76 2 

287 5 

116 6 

116 6D. 


27)170 11 


6-z 8 ? yards. 



Ex. R.F. and R. 

40 4 
76 2 

27 )116 6 

4/y yards. 

Concrete of 6 of ballast 
to 1 of cement. 

27 )53 10 
2 yards. 






























220 


builders' and contractors’ guide 


sup. 

Reduced brickwork in mortar. 


1 

B. 

1* B. 

14 

0 

7 0 

21 

0 

57 8 

49 

0 

64 8 

2 

6 


86 

6 


ff=28 

10 


57 

8 



E. only in cement. 
H B. 

64 8 


run. 

E. labor oversail courses. 
4T0 

9" average trowelled cement 
skirting. 

22~0 

No. 

Mitres. 

8 


run. 

4" white glazed channel pipes, 
bedded and jointed in cement. 

(TO 

No. 

4" long channel bends. 

2 

Cement concrete bolstering 
3'0"X2'6", average thickness 
4|", laid to falls, trowelled 
top and made good to chan¬ 
nels. 

2 

C.I.air-tight covers and frames 
30"X24" with grease joint’ 

fixing and bedding in cement’ 

_ 

Make good drain to 1 B.W. 

5 

1 


BRICKLAYER 


sup. 

Reduced brickwork in mortar. Extra only, in cement. 


1 

B. 

H 

B. 

Deduct 

1 B. 

H 

B. 

41 

7 

41 

7 

1 B. 

H B. 

7 10 

7 

10 

3 

1 

111 

0 

10 6 

23 7 

Ddt. £ 2 7 

5 

3 

3 

10 

555 

0 

24 9 

11 0 

5 3 

13 

1 

10 

1 

3 

1 

16 6 

9 6 

Half B.W. in c 



2 

0 

1 

11 

43 1 

44 1 

:ement. 

94 

6 

4 

9 

23 7 


20 3 



172 

2 

47 

3 

47 2 


2 2 



10 

8 

764 

7 

165 7 


22 5 



135 

0 

44 

1 



2 courses slates 



38 

6 

720 

6 



in cement 

86 

8 

292 

1 



damp course. 


5 

7 

1012 

7 



64 9 



603 

8 








165 

7 


272)1012 

7 

Asphalte damp 

course. 

438 

1 



3 i 

197' 

5 0 



146 

0 Ddt. 1 




4 6 



292 

1 





9 6 













































TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 221 


sup. 

Coach hd. trimmer arch 
\ B. in cement. 

' 19~0 ’ 

R ough cutting, straig ht. 

3 4 

Ditto, circular. 

15 0 
7 0 

22 0 
run. 

4\" rough cutting. 

12 0 

Rake out and point flashings 
in cement. 

88 0 

Nos. 

Extra labor and waste to 
relieving arches. 

1 Bk. by 1 Bk. 

3—3'8" 

Extra labor, cutting and waste 
to relieving arches. 

1= 4' 6"X9"X 9" 

1= 3' 0"X9"X 4\” 

1= 3' 0"X9"X 
1= 4' 6"X9"X18" 

4=15' 0"X3'X3' 

Average 3' 9"X9"X 9" 

Terra-cotta chimney-pots 2' 
high, set and flaunched in 
cement. 

4 

Nos. 

Tile hearths P.C. 20/- and 
setting. 

2 


Extra to Breeze fixing bricks. 

18 

8 

26 

26" X 1G" X 5" white glazed 

stoneware sink and fixing. 

_ 

Bed and point frames. 

3 

Perforate and make good 
1£ B.W. to lead pipes. 

1 

2 

1 ditto in 2 B.W. 


6 

Build in ends of timbers. 

6 

10 

16 

Parge and core flues. 

4 

Set stove, 3' opening. 

2 

Set kitchener. 4'6" opening, 
and all firebricks and lumps. 

1 

9"X6" air grids, fixing, and 
channels in 1£ B.W. 

6 

No. 

9"X6" plain iron outlet venti* 

lator and fixing. 

- 


























222 builders' and contractors' guide 

FACINGS 


sup. 

E. on stock B.W. for first qual. 
reds, finished with struck joint. 


199 

10 

Ddt. 

8 

3 

33 0 

5 

3 

21 0 

70 

10 

9 9 

12 

5 

63 9 


296 

7 

63 

9 

232 

10 


E. on stock B. W. sor gauged 
arches in red rubbers, set in 
lime putty and grouted in 
P. cement. 

fT!) * 

3 9 

13 6 


run. 

4i" fair cutting, straight 

(To 


Cement fillet. 

ITo 


E. on facings to oversailing 
courses. 

15 0 
49 6 

64 6 


Make good facings to ends 
of sills. 

6 


MASON 

LIMESTONE 


cube. 

Stone and setting. 
’ “1 4 

2 3 
2 10 

6 5 
sup. 

Half sawing. 

2 4 
2 3 

4 7 


Beds and joints, one face 
for two. 


4 

Half bed. 

4 

7 

4 0 Ddt. 


6 

3 0 D. 3 0 

2 

3 

11 

2)1 0 

6 

8 

7 



6 


9 

1 



Plain work rubbed. 

1 0 
1 4 
1 7 

3 11 


Sunk work rubbed. 

4 0 
1 7 

5 7 


sup. 

Sunk work rubbed, stopped. 

3 0 


Moulded work. 
2~7 





























TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


223 


run. 

Throating. 

4 0 
4 9 

8 9 


|"Xi" groove. 
4 9 

No. 

Form stools. 

2 “ 


SANDSTONE 


sup. 

2" rubbed hearth. 

8 7 
8 3 

16 10 


No. 

Notches. 

2 


12"X10"X6 tooled templates. 

6 


TILER 


sup. 

Best Red tiling on sawn fir 
laths. to3>£" gauge, fixed with 
gal d. nails. _ 

437 6 
32 0 
22 6 
8 9 

500 9=5sqrs. 9 ft. 


run. 

Extra to plain h i p tiles, 
bedded in cement. 

22 6 


Plain ridge bedded and 
jointed in cement. 

18 0 


No. 

Fair end. 


run. 

Bedding verge in cement. 
17 6 


Bedding eaves course in cement. 
64 0 


No. 

Intersection hips and ridge 
to finial. 


1 


Extra to finial P. C. %, 
add carriage and fix. 

1 ~ 


Hip hooks. 


1 


2 




















224 


builders' and contractors' guide 


SLATER 


sup. 

run. 

Blue Bangor Countess slating, 

Slate ridge 2*4 " roll, 7" wings, 

3" lap, centre nailed with 

bed and joint in cement. 

compo. nails, 2 to each slate. 

20 3 

714 0 Ddt. 

35 0 7 0 

No. 

15 5 25 0 

Fitted ends. 

764 5 32 0 

2 

32 0 D. 

732 5 

Make good around 1" exhaust 

pipe. 

=7 sqrs. 32 ft. 

1 

CARPENTER 

cube. 

Spruce in plates and lintels. 

Spruce framed in 3 roof trusses, 

1 8 

hoisting and fixing 35 ft. 

9 

above ground level. 

1 11 

16 3 

1 8 

7 5 

6 0 

2 10 

3 8 

Spruce framed in floors. 

30 2 

15 9 
* 7 0 

1 11 

cube. 

10 8 

Spruce framed in roofs. 

35 4 

26 9 


28 8 

Spruce framed in trussed 

5 1 

partition. 

42 0 

10 9 

102 6 

4 0 

4 6 

1 9 

sup. 

2 4 

T rough boarding, edges shot, 

7 

1 2 

1 7 

to roof. 

846 8 

1 4 

=8 sqrs. 46 ft. 

11 

4 10 

- 

1 4 

1" rough board in gutters and 
2"X 2" bearers, 15" apart. 

1 10 

36 11 

80 0 























TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


225 


run. 

2"X1K" H. B. strutting to 
9" joist. 

2b 6 


4^" X 2" nogging pieces. 
11 8 


Springing piece for trimmer. 
12 0 


2"X 1" tilting fillet. 
80 0 


3"Xl4* ditto. 
80 0 


1J4"X9" rough board, spiked 
to wall. 

80~0 


run. 

2" ridge roll. 
40~~0 


Labor in splayed edge to 
1" roof boarding. 

1600 


Nos. 

Labor in scarf to 6" X 8" purlins 
including bolts. 

2 ' 


Ditto to 4"Xll" pole plates. 

2 


Cleats. 

4"X4"X2" shaped. 

6 ’ 

Ditto 9"X4"X4" shaped 

6 

Extra to form 12" Xl2"x6"dove 
tailed cesspools, holed 
dished, and fitted. 

4 

Nos. 

Extra to form 2" rebated drips 

8 

1 ^ 2 " roll in gutter. 

2 


run. 

4 l /t n turning pieces. 

9 0 

sup. 

Use and waste of centering 
for trimmer. 

18 0 


Nos. 

Fixings only to bolts. 


4 

11"= 

44 

35 

6"= 

210 

6 

13"= 

78 

21 

6"= 

126 

66 


66)458 


7" average 

Fixings to straps. 

_ — 

_6 

19 























226 


BUILDERS'’ AND CONTRACTORS’ GUIDE 


JOINER AND HARDWARE 

FLOORS 


sup. 

1*4" yel. batten, edges shot, 

grooved and gald. iron tongues, 
splayed headings and fixed with 
2 x /z" brads. 

175 7 Ddt. 

11 3 D. 46 

164 4 J!_? 

11 3 

=1 sq. 64 ft. 


Ditto, including bearers. In 
small quantities. 

5-4 

run. 

E. O. 3K"X>6" oak border, in¬ 
cluding reb. floor, glueing and 
mitreing. 

8 7 


SKIRTINGS 


run. 

1"X8" torus mould, scribed, in¬ 
cluding backings and splayed 
grounds plugged to wall. 

46~9 Ddt. 

8 0 D. 80 

38 9 


Nos. 

External mitres. 

“2 

Internal ditto. 

6 

Fitted ends. 
2 


Housings. 

2 


DOORS 

sup. 

2" 6-pan., planted mouldings both sides, double tenoned for 

mortise locks. 

2T0 

SASHES AND FRAMES 


sup. 

Cased frame and 2" sashes 
(description). 

22~b 


run. 


Labor in hook joint. 
6 6 


2" ovolo casements. 
26~0 ' 


Labor in reb. and circular 
tongue. 

13 0 


2" ovolo fanlight. 
7 8 


Labor in reb. and splayed 
bottom rail. 

3 10 

























TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


227 


3^" X l l /2 r moulded and grooved 
weather-board. 

3 9 

Labor groove in oak. 

3 9 


Nos. 

Mouldings for glass and mitres. 
Sets. 

4 9'=36' 

1 10=10 

5 5)46 
average 9' 3" 


THICKNESSES AND FRAMINGS 


sup. 

7/% W.O.S. moulded grounds, 
splayed edge. 

9 3 ~ 


1" rough framed grounds, 
O.E.S., one edge splayed. 

12 7 


window-board reb. and 
moulded, and all bearers. 

2~To 

No. 

Notched and return mould, 
ends. 

2 


sup. 

1 y 2 " jamb lining W.O.S. 
framed, 2 ce reb. pan, plant, 
mouldings and dovetail 
backings. 

28 10 


run. 

3"X%” elbow linings, reb. 1 
edge, tongued angles and 
backings. 

14 11 

Labor to groove. 

uli 

Labor to groove in oak. 

3~9 

run. 

4*/2"X3*/2" framed, wrot. sunk- 
weathered, rebated, 3 times 
moulded and throated in 
transom. 

4 6 

4^"X4k2 W 2 ce moulded, re¬ 
bated, and hollow grooved 
jambs. 

18 5 

4 yi " X 4>£ " 2 ce moulded and 
rebated head. 

4 6~ 


IN OAK 

run. 

6"X3" framed, rebated, weathered and 2 ce grooved in sill. 

VQ 

IN MAHOGANY 

No. 

\\l" best quality W. C. seat and cover, with brass side hinges. 

1 




















228 


BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS GUIDE 


MOULDINGS AND SUNDRIES 


9"X6"X2^" cham. 


run. 

2" X1 x /l " bed moulding, rebated. 
4~7 

No. 

Return and moulded ends. 

2 

run. 

4"X2" moulded architrave. 

m 

5^"X2" ditto. 

37 8 

No. 

Mitres. 

_ g 


plinth blocks. 

4 “ 

Frame architrave to plinth 
block. 

4 

Housings in plinth blocks. 

' “ 4 

Holes in frame for saddle-bar, 
' 2 

run. 

Labor to groove. 

4 7 

Allow for attendance by joined 
on plumber. 


IRONMONGERY AND FIXING 


Nos. 

Pairs 3 Yz" W.I. butts. 

1/4 

Nos. 

Pairs 3" brass butts. 

- 

3 

6" 2-bolt 4-lever mortise lock, 
P. C. 9/-, brass-reeded furni¬ 
ture. 

_ 

Sets, brass-reded finger-plates. 

% 


3" solid brass sash fastening, 

1 

3" brass flush sash lifts. 

•* 2 


4" brass sash pulls. 
~~2~ 


Fanlight opener, P.C. 17/6. 

1 


Brass Espagnolette bolt for 
6' 6" casement. 


1 






















TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


229 


Brass cups and screws. 

12 

Brackets for W.C., 16X" high. 
Pair. 

1 


run. 

1X"XJ4" gald. water-bar, 
bedded in white lead. 

3 9 

4 6 

8 3 


SMITH AND FOUNDER 

WROUGHT IRON 

In 1 plate girder and hoisting and fixing 16 feet above ground-level 

.- 


sup 

17 4 

26 0 
50 
18 

50 0 


=25 0 of 1' 


sup. 

Hi 

5 3 y% of 1' 


sup. *4", sup. 1" collected. 

15 - 

— 25 0 

4Xofl". 5 3 # 

30 7# 

40 

1226 lbs. 
Rivets 5%= 61 

1287 lbs. 


STRAPS 


rxy&\ 


2"X 5 /W'. 


l/4"X 6 Ae' r . sup. 1" collected. 


23 11 
3 11 
12 0 
6 4 


46 2 
_ 2 

7 8 s up.of#" 
=2 10 y 2 of 1" 


2X"X^". 


13 0 

21 0 

2 10X 

2 

l/ 2 

1 6 

2 2 sup. of 

2 7 Yz 

4 4 # 

2 7 # 


40 

4 9# of%« ff 


175 lbs 


= 1 6 of 1" 


CHIMNEY-BARS 

CAMBERED AND CAULKED 

2"X#". sup. 1" collected* 


64 48 12 

4 8 2 3# 


11 0 9 15# 

2J4 i * 40_ 


2 zy 2 sup. of Vt*. 57 lbs. 

= 12 








































230 


builders'' and contractors' guide 

BOLTS 

(FIXING TAKEN IN *' 



Nos. 

W, 11" long, sqr. heads, 
nuts and washers. 

4 

Se ts of gibs and cott ers. 
3 

13" long, sqr. heads, 
nuts and washers. 

6 


CARPENTER”) 

No. 

y 2 ", 6" long bolts A. B. 

35 
21 

56 

run. 

x / 2 n ro und gald. iron sadd le-bar 
37 


CAST IRON 

Iwi 1 hollow column fixed at ground-level, 
sup. IX". sup. IK". sup. 1". sup. 1" collected. 


15 9 2 0 

=27 6^ofl" ^ 

210 

=4 3 of V . 


4 27 6^4 

4 3 
4 


32 I34 
37 % 


1205 lbs. 

Feathers 2 y 2 % 30 

1235 lbs. 


No. 

Pattern for column. 

1 


Nos. 

Extra to 2" shoe. 

T~ 


run. 

2" R.W. pipe and fixing. 


10 0 


2" R.W. head. 


1 























TO 


CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


231 


PLASTERER 


sup. 

L. P. F. and S, ceilings. 
208 0 ~Ddt7 
4 6 D. 46 
9 )203 6 

22% yards. 

L. P. F. and S. partitions. 

282 9 DdtT 

18 9 D. 18 9 
9 )264 0 
29K yards. 

R. F. and S. walls. 

297 4 DdtT 

100 3 D 38 6 

9) 197 1 6 9 

21% yards. 55 0 
ioo 3 


sup. 

PI. mold, cornice. 
67~8 


Nos. 
I. Mitres. 
6 


Ext. Mitres. 
2 

run. 


Keene’s cement angle. 
18 2 


PLUMBER 

EXTERNAL 


Milled lead and labor in flats, gutters, and flashings. 


sup. 

sup. 

sup. 


5-lb. 

6-lb. 

7-lb. 


56 2 

10 9 

493 9 

Ddt. 

5 

136 10 

6 2 • 

21 0 

280 

147 7 

499 11 


885 

3353 

6 

21 0 


885 

478 11 



4518 


7 




3253 



run. run. 

Lead wedging. Copper nai ling o pen. 

88 0 16 6 






























232 


BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS GUIDE 


Nos. 

Labor to dress angles 
around curb. 


Extra lead, labor, and solder 
in cesspools. 


Labor in bossed ends to rolls. 
28 


4" socket pipes 2 ft. long, double 
bent out of 7-lb. lead, and joint. 


Labor in four-way 
intersections. 

13 ~ 


Domical wire covers to 
cesspools. 


INTERNAL 


run. 

X" strong lead pipe 
digging trench. 

25~0 


and ditto and soldered joint. 


X" inch strong lead pipe, in¬ 
cluding bends, joints and fixing. 

5T6 ~ 

17 0 
6 0 

74 6 


X" ditto and 2 joints. 


Extra to trumpet-mouth con¬ 
nection to grating (sink). 


1" lead pipe, etc. 
11 0 


X" boiler screws and joints. 
2 


run. 

IX" ditto. 


9 6 

3 5 

12 11 

i y 2 " ditto. 


4 6 
Nos. 

X" soldered branch joint. 

' I 

X" pipe short lengths. 

1 


union and joint. 

1 

1" brass bath overflow grating, 

union and joint. 

- 


1*4" brass combined bath waste 
and trap, cleansing screw, and 
plug and joint._ 


Nos. 

1)4" brass clips. 


























TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


233 


3" brass grating (sink). 

1 

v4” H.P., S.D., stop-cock 
and joints. 

I 

V\ H.P., S.D. bib valve 
and boss. 

1 


34” copper ball valve, boss, and 
soldered joint. 

I _ 


1J4" lead S trap, screw cap 
and joints. 

1 


Gald. W.I. riveted cistern, 

14 B.W.G., 80 galls., and fixing. 

1~ 

Drill holes. 

4 


5 ft. C.I. porcelean bath, rolled 
top,enamelled, and combined 
hot and cold brass bath valve 
and joints. 

1 


Drill hole. 

1 


2 gall. W.W.P. cistern, brass 
chain and pull. 

1 

Nos. 

Gald. iron bracelets. Pair. 


Earthenware wash-down ped 
estal closet and trap in one 
piece and fixing. 

1 


Joint W.C. to flush pipe and 
I.R. cone. 

1 


run. 

4" lead soil pipe out of 7-lb. 
lead, including joints, tacks, 
and fixing to wall. 

27 11 

Nos. 

Extra to junction bend and 
joint. 

1 


Joint between W.C. trap and 4" 
lead soil pipe, including brass 
collar. 

I 


Connect soil pipe to drain, 
including brass thimble. 

I ' 


Domical copper wire cover. 
— 


Connect with water company’s 
main, including ferrule, pay¬ 
ing fees, and making good 
road. 

1 


Stop-cock and box. 
_ 


1 






















234 


BUILDERS" AND CONTRACTORS 7 GUIDE 


HOT-WATER ENGINEER. 


run. 

f" steam pipe. 
<T9 


V ditto. 
5 6 

U" ditto. 

41 9 


Nos. 

f" bends. 

1 

2 


li" ditto. 

6 


|" elbow. 
1 


lF'Xf" tee. 

1 

2 


Nos. 

Drill holes and connections. 
~4 


IF brass unions. 

2 


1" ditto. 

1 


f ^ 


ditto. 


1 


S. O. bib valve, engraved 

“hot”, and joint to iron pipe. 

- 


12"XlO" W. welded arched 
H.P. Boiler. 

1 


Drill holes and connect. In¬ 
clude shortlengths piperack- 
nuts and joints. 

2 


Short length f" pipe. 
1 


|" dead-weight safety valve and 
joint to iron. 

1 


Gald. W.I. tank plate bare, 
with manhole, 30 galls., bear¬ 
ers and fixing. 


Allow for attendance in cutting 
away and making good after 
hot-water engineer and test 
system at completion. 





















235 


TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 

PAINTER 


sup. 

Nos. 

K.P.S. and 3 on woodwork 
and Ya 

On sash sheets very large. 

4 . 

42 0 

28 10 

T 

l A doz. 

23 6 

3 9 

14 2 

Sash squares, very large. 

8 

4 0 

2 A doz. 

1 7 

117 10 

On fanlights, 
o 

%= 19 7% 

U 

9)137 6 

On sash frames, ordinary. 

15% yards. 

2 


Casement frames, very large. 

run. 

2 

On skirting. 

On plinth blocks. 

46 9 

4 


GLAZIER 


sup. 

21-oz. sheet glass in squares, 
from 6' to 8' super., and 
glazing._ 

12 10 

l A* pol. plate in squares, 4' to 6' 
sup., bedded in chamois 
leather. 

18 6 


sup. 

Stout lead quarry lights, 
with rolled cathedral plate 
(selected tints), copper ties, 
and fixing. 

5 10 


PAPERHANGER 


Paper, price 50c per piece, and 
hanging to ceiling. 

208 0 Ddt. 

4 6 D. 4 6 

203 6 
y 7 = 29 0 

58 )232 

4 pieces. 


Paper, price 75c per piece, and 
hanging to walls. 


297 4 

Ddt. 

282 9 

38 6 

580 1 

6 9 

64 0 D. 

18 9 

516 1 

64 0 

73 



58 )589 

10 pieces 9 ft. 


























Billing 




Billing is the operation involved in transferring the 
totals of the various items from the abstract to the bill 
form, in order to enable them to be priced, and to obtain 
an estimate of the cost of the intended work. 

The order of billing should follow the order of 
abstract, if that has been prepared as before explained. 

In large contracts each trade should have a separate 
bill, which should be headed with its name and number. 
In smaller works all the trades are included in one bill. 

It is usual to give a description of the material to 
be employed by each trade at the heading of its bill 
before taking the items, the total estimated amount 
of which is carried to a summary placed at the con¬ 
clusion of the bill. 

A bill form is ruled as under:— 





cube, 

Amo 

unt 

of 

sup 

it 

em. 


or 




run. 


Description of item. 


$ 


If the total amount ot an item in the abstract is an 
odd, 6" or over, it would appear in the bill as a foot, but 
if under 6" it is entirely ignored, e. g. 38'7" would be billed 
as 39", while 26' 2" would be taken as 26'. This also 
applies to other items, as any amount of half a yard or 
over of painting or plastering would be taken as a yard. 

236 












TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


237 


In slating or tiling the feet would be billed as 5, 10, 
15, 20, ,etc., parts of 5 feet being called 5 feet, and in 
lead, billed at per cwt. the lbs. would be taken as 7, 14, 
or 21. 

The first in order of the bills is known as the Prelimi- 

t 

nary Bill, which contains particulars from the conditions 
of contract and specification which may influence the 
amount of the tender, perliminary works, and provisional 
items. This bill does not pass through the operations of 
“taking off” and abstracting. It is impossible to give 
exact items that would appear in the above bill, as the 
conditions vary in different cases. A few items, how¬ 
ever, that are found in most contracts may be given, such 
as:— 

“The building to be completed and fit for occupation 
by (mention date) under a penalty of $— per week as 
liquidated damages, delays caused by frost and strikes 
only excepted.” 

“Payments may be made to the contractor at the rate 
of 75 per cent, of the value of the work executed, an 
additional 20 per cent, at completion, and the other 5 
per cent, six months from that date. 

A priced copy of the bill of quantities to be deposited 
with the architect when signing contract.” 

“Provide water for the use of the works, and pay all 
fees connected therewith.” 

“Insure the building for two-thirds amount of tender 
in an office approved by the architect. 

“Give necessary notices to all authorities, supply 
required drawings, and pay all fees.” 


238 


builders' and contractors' guide 


“Provide all scaffolding and tackle for the use of the 
works." 

“Provide a suitable office where directed, for clerk 
of works, also light, fire, and attendance." 

“Provide watching and lighting as required." 

“Make good any injury to adjacent buildings. 

“Provide temporary covering and casing to walls, 
stonework, etc., and protect work from frost." 

“Erect hoarding as required." 

“Allow for attendance of each trade upon all other 
trades." 

“Clear away all surplus material, rubbish, and waste, 
scrub floors, clean glass, and leave the premises fit for 
occupation." 

“Make good any defects appearing within six months 
of completion." 

Provisions: 

“Provide the following sums to be used as directed, 
or deduction in part or whole. Add for profit, carriage, 
and fixing." 

Stoves.$200 00 

Carving. 500 00 

“Excavator" and other trades would be billed in their 
proper order after the Preliminary Bill, their total 
amount being carried to the summary, the usual form of 
which is as under:— 





TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


239 


SUMMARY 


1 . 

2 . 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6 . 

7. 

8 . 
9. 

10 . 

11 . 

12 . 

13. 

14. 

15. 

16. 
17. 


Preliminary. 

Excavator. 

Drainage. 

Bricklayer. 

Mason. 

Tiler (or Slater)... 

Carpenter. 

Joiner and Ironmonger. 

Smith and Founder. 

Plasterer. 

Plumber. 

Gasfitter. 

Hot-water Engineer. 

Bellhanger. 

Painter. 

Glazier. 

Paperhanger 

$ 

Add surveyor’s charges of 2 l /^% on the fore¬ 
going amount, to be paid out of the first 

instalment. . . 

Add for lithography of quantities and ex¬ 
penses... 

Carried to Tender $ 





































Example of Billing 


BILL No. 1. PRELIMINARY AND PROVISIONS 






Preliminary works. 








Provisions etc., (as previously 
explained). 





Carried to Summary $ 


BILL No. 2. EXCAVATOR 


The concrete to be composed of 1 part Portland Cement and 
6 parts ballast, deposited steadily, and rammed in 9" layers. 


yds. 

ft. 



81 



cube 

22 



< < 

8 



< < 

11 



i i 

4 



< i 

2 



i i 

2 



(< 

56 



sup. 

13 



cube 

33 



sup. 



No. 

2 


Excavate and cart away. 

Excavate, return, fill in, and 

ram. 

Excavate to basement tren¬ 
ches, part return, fill in and 

ram. 

Excavate to basement tren¬ 
ches and cart away. 

Excavate to surface trenches, 
part return, fill in and ram. 
Excavate to surface trenches 

and cart away. 

Brick core filling, rammed and 

levelled. 

Remove top Soil 6" deep, 
wheel and spread where 

directed. 

Concrete in trenches. 

6" concrete, leveled top. 

Level up over trimmers for 
hearths in cement concrete. 


Carried to Summary 


$ 


240 










































TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


241 


BILL No. 3. DRAINAGE 



run 


«( 

< < 

<( 

3 

1 


1 


1 

1 

1 

run 

1 

2 


cube 
< < 

t« 

sup.. 

<( 

run 

<( 


4" glazed stoneware drain, 
jointed in cement and 
digging average 3'3", and 
6" cement concrete under 

and around pipes. 

4" ditto laid in tunnel, in¬ 
cluding strutting. 

4" ditto in road, average 

depth 6 feet.. 

4" ditto and digging, as air 

inlet. 

Extra to 4" bends. 

Extra to intercepting trap, 
with inspecting arm and 
stopper, including extra 
digging, concrete, and 

bedding in cement. 

Bull-nose slipper trap and 
channel, with 4" outlet 
and galvanized iron grat¬ 
ing. : . 

Connect to sewer, including 

eye. 

Connect to 4" trap.... 

Connect to 4" soil pipe. 

4" galvanized R. W. pipe.... 
Galvanized iron mica flap 

air inlet for 4" pipe... 

Connect R. W. pipe to drain 

and air inlet . 

Provide lighting and watch¬ 
ing.. 

Pay all fees to local authori¬ 
ties. 


$ 


Following in small quanti¬ 
ties to inspection chambers 
Excavate and cart away.. v . 
Excavate, return, fill in, 

and ram.. 

Cement concrete...... 

Reduced brick work in mor¬ 
tar. 

Extra only in cement. 

Extra labor to oversail 

courses. 

9" trowelled cement skirting 

Carried forward $ 




















































242 


builders' and contractors' guide 


DRAINAGE— Continued 


ft. 



Brought forward 


No. 

8 

Mitres. 

6 


run 

4" white glazed channel pipes, 
bedded and jointed in ce¬ 
ment . 


( < 

2 

4" long channel bends. 


i 4 

2 

Cement concrete bolstering 
3'X2' 6"X4}4" thick laid to 
falls, trowelled top and 
made good to channels 


44 

2 

Cast-iron air-tight covers and 
frames 30"X24", with 
grease joint, fixing and bed¬ 
ding in cement. 


t < 

6 

Make good drain to 1 brick 
wall. 

Carried to Summary 


$ 



BILL No. 4 BRICKLAYER 

Bricks to be sound, well burnt and true in shape. 
Lime to be fresh-burnt Dorking stone lime. 


ft. 

197 


sup. 

Reduced brickwork in mor¬ 
tar . 

13 


(( 

Extra only in cement. 

22 

65 


4 4 

<< 

Half brick wall in cement... 
Two courses slates in cement, 
damp course. 

10 


<< 

Asphalt damp course. 

19 


C 4 

Coach-head trimmer arch, 
half brick in cement. 

3 


«i 

Rough cutting straight,. 

22 


4 4 

Ditto circular . 

12 


run 

4 V 2 " rough cutting. 

88 


4 < 

Rake out and point flash¬ 
ings in cement. 


No. 

3 

Extra labor and waste to 
relieving arches, 1B.X1B. 
span 3'8" . 


i ( 

4 

Extra labor, cutting and 
waste to relieving arches, 
average 3'9" span 1B.X 
IB . 


Carried forward 

















































TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


243 


BRICKLAYER— Continued 


ft. 



Brought forward 


No. 

4 

Terra-cotta ch. pots, 2 ft., 
set and flaunched iu ce 
ment . 


( 4 

2 

Tile hearths P.C. and set¬ 
ting . 


<( 

26 

Extra to Breeze fixing 
bricks . 


(4 

1 

26" X 16" X 5" white glazed 
stoneware sink and fixing 


4 4 

3 

Bed and point frames . 


44 

6 

Perforate and make good 
B. wall to lead pipes. . 


11 

4 

Ditto 2 B. W. 


4 4 

16 

Build in ends of timbers. 


4 4 

4 

Parge and core flues. 


4 4 

2 

Set stoves, 3' opening. 

Set kitchener, 4' 6" open¬ 
ing, include for firebricks 

and lumps. .. 

9" X 6" air grids, fixing, 
and channels in lp2 B. 
wall . 


4 4 

1 


4 4 

6 


< < 

1 

9" X 6" plain iron outlet 
ventilator and fixing . 

Facings 

233 

ft. 


sup. 

Extra on stock brickwork 
for 1st quality reds fin¬ 
ished with struck joints ... 

14 


<( 

Ditto for gauged arches in 
red rubbers, set in lime 
putty and grouted in P. 
cement . 

7 


run 

4 y 2 " fair cutting straight. ... 

15 


4 4 

Cement fillet . 

65 


4 4 

Extra on facings to over- 


No. 

6 

sailing courses . 

Make good facings to ends 

of sills .. 

Carried to Summary, 









































244 


builders' and contractors' guide 


BILL No. 5. MASON 

Stone to be of the best quality, free from sand holes and vents, 
laid on its natural bed, and cleaned down at completion. 


ft. 



Lime Stone 




b 


cube 

Stone and setting. 


$ 


5 


sup. 

Half sawing. 




9 


4 t 

Beds and joints (1 face for 2) 




4 


4 4 

Plain work rubbed. 




6 


4 4 

Sunk work rubbed. 




3 


44 

Sunk work rubbed, stopped 




3 


4 4 

Moulded work. 




9- 


run 

Throating. 




5 


4 4 

K"XJ4" groove. 





No. 

2 

Form stools. 







Sand Stone 




17 


sup. 

2" rubbed hearth. 



* 


No. 

2 

Notches. 





u 

6 

12"X10"X6" tooled templates 





Carried to Summary, $ 


BILL No. 6. TILER 


ft. 



- 

10 


sup. 

Best Red tiling on sawn fir 
laths to 3 Y- 2 ." gauge, fixed 
with galvanized nails. 

23 


run 

Extra to plain Red hip tiles 
bedded in cement. 

18 


4 4 

Plain Red ridge bedded and 
and jointed in cement. 


No. 

1 

Fair end. 

18 


run 

Bedding verge in cement. 

64 


4 4 

Bedding eaves course in ce¬ 
ment. 


i 4 

1 

Intersection hips and ridge to 
finial. 


n 

1 

Extra to finial, P.C., add car¬ 
riage and fixing. 


u 

2 

Hip hooks. 

Carried to Summary 



















































TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


245 


BILL No. 7. SLATER 


sqrs. 

7 

ft. 

35 


sup. 

Blue Bangor Countess slat¬ 
ing, 3" lap, centre nailed 
with compo nails, 2 to each 
slate. 





20 

No. 

run 

2 

Slate ridge, 2)4 "roll,7" wings, 
bed and joint in cement.... 
Fitted ends. 






t i 

1 

Make good around pipe. 





Carried to Summary $ 


BILL No. 8. CARPENTER 

Timber to be of the best description, sawn die square- free 
from sap, shakes, large, loose or dead knots, and other defects. 


sqrs. 


8 


ft. 



1 

1 


6 


cube 

Spruce in plates and lintels.. 



35 


4 4 

Spruce framed in floors. 



37 


4 4 

Ditto in trussed partition .... 



30 


4 4 

Ditto in 3 roof trusses, hoist 






and fix 35' above ground- 






level . 



103 


«< 

Ditto in roofs. 



50 


sup. 

1" rough boarding, edges shot, 






to roof. 



80 


4 4 

1" rough boarding in gutters 






and 2"X2" bearers, 15" 



27 


run 

2"Xl/4" H.B. strutting. 



12 


4 4 

414" X2" nogging pieces. 



12 


4 4 

Springing-piece for trimmer.. 



80 


i 4 

2"Xl" tilting fillet. 



80 


4 4 

3"X34" ditto.. 



80 


4 4 

1)4" X 9" rough board spiked 









40 


4 4 

2" ridge roll -- ---- - • •; 



160 


4 4 

Labor in splayed edge to 1 






roof boarding . 




No. 

2 

Labor in scarf to 6"X8" pur- 






lins and bolts . 




ii 

2 

Ditto to 4"XH" pole plates.. 




<( 

6 

4"X4"X2" shaped cleats. 




it 

fi 

9"X4"X4" ditto . 


1 


Carried forward, 



















































246 


builders' and contractors’ guide 

CARPENTER —Continued 


sqrs. 


ft. 




No. 

4 


4 4 

8 


it 

2 

18 


sup. 

9 


run 


(< 

66 


II 

19 


Brought forward 
Extra to form 12"X12"X6" 
dovetailed cesspools, holed, 

dished and fitted. 

Extra to 2" rebated drips. 

IX" roll in gutter. 

Use and waste of centering .. 

Turning-pieces, 4soffit_ 

Fixings only to 7" bolts. 

Fixing to straps. 

Carried to Summary 



$ 


BILL No. 9. JOINER AND HARDWARE 


ft. 



Floors in Pine 

65 


sup. 

IX" batten, edges shot, 
grooved, and galvanized 
iron tongues, splayed 

headings, and fixed with 
2 V 2 " brads. 

5 



Ditto in small quantities, 
including bearers. 

9 


run 

Extrato3X"X>4" oak border, 
including rebating floor, 
glueing and mitreing. 

Skirtings in Pine 

39 

* 

41 

1" X 8" moulded skirting, 
scribed to floor, including 
backings and splayed 

grounds plugged to wall ... 


No. 

2 

External mitres. 


t 4 

6 

Internal ditto. 


4 4 

2 

Fitted ends. 


< • 

2 

Housings. 

Doors in Pine 

21 


sup. 

2" 6-panel, planted mouldings 
both sides, double tenoned 
for mortise lock. 

Sashes and Frames in Deal 

22 


1 1 

Cased frame and 2" sashes 
(description). 

Carried forward 















































TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


247 


JOINER AND HARDWARE— Continued 


ft. 

16 

8 

7 

13 


4 

4 


9 

13 

3 


No. 


29 


15 


15 

4 

5 


18 


No. 


sup. 

4 4 

run 

4 4 


4 4 


4 4 
44 


5 


sup. 

4 4 


2 

sup. 


run 


< i 

< t 


ti 


5 

5 


<« 


(< 


Brought forward 
2" ovolo-moulded casements 

2" ditto fanlight. 

Labor in hook joint. 

Ditto in rebate and circular 

tongue. 

Ditto in rebated and splayed 

bottom rail. 

Ditto groove in oak. 

3 ]/ 2 " XI l A" moulded and 
grooved weathed board.... 
Sets mouldings for glass 9' 3" 
long and mitres. 

Thicknesses and Framings 
in Pine 

%"W.O.S. moulded grounds, 

splayed edge. 

1" rough framed grounds, 

1 edge shot, 1 splayed. 

IX” window board, rebated 
and moulded and all 

bearers. 

Notched and return mould¬ 
ed ends. 

iy 2 " jamb linings, W.O.S. 
framed, twice rebated, 
panelled with planted 
mouldings and dovetail 

backings. 

3" XA" elbow linings, rebated 
1 edge, tongued angles and 

backings. 

Labor to groove. 

Ditto in oak. 

4X”X3 Yi" framed, wrot., 
sunk-weathered, rebated, 
3 times moulded and 

throated in transom. 

4X"X4X” twice moulded, re¬ 
bated and hollow grooved 

jambs. 

4J4" X4 A" twice moulded and 

rebated head. 

In Oak 

6"X3" framed, rebated, 
weathered and twice groov¬ 
ed sill. 

Carried forward 


$ 


$ 


















































248 


BUILDERS* AND CONTRACTORS* GUIDE 


JOINER AND HARDWARE— Continued 



- 


Brought forwarc 


|$ j 

ft. 



In Mahogany 




No. 

1 

1%" best quality W.C. seat 






and cover with brass side 






hinges. 






Moulding and Sundries 






2" X1 Yz " bed moulding, re- 



5 


run 

bated. 






Return and moulded ends.. 




No. 

2 

4"X2" moulded architrave... 



17 


run 

5K"X2" ditto. 



38 


44 

Mitres. 




(< 

6 

9" X 6" X2K "chamfered plinth 




4 4 

4 

blocks. 






Frame architrave to plinth 




<« 

4 

blocks . 






Housings in plinth blocks... 





4 

Holes in frame for saddle-bar 




< ( 

2 

Labor to groove. 



5 


run 

Allow for attendance on 






plumber. 






Ironmongery, including 






screws and fixing. 






Pairs W W.I. butts. 




No. 

2 

Ditto 3" brass butts. 




4 4 

3 

6" 2-bolt 4-lever mortise lock. 




«< 

1 

P.C. and brass-reeded fur- 






niture. 




«< 

2 

Sets brass-reeded finger 






plates. 




4 4 

1 

3" brass sash fastening__ 




4 4 

2 

3" brass flush sash lifts. 




4 C 

2 

4" brass sash pulls.. 




44 

1 

Fanlight opener, P.C. 




44 

1 

Brass espagnolette bolt for 






6' 6" casements. 




«« 

12 

Brass cups and screws. 




t» 

1 

Pair brackets for W. C 16^" 






high. 



8 

1 

run 

1 % " X % " galvanized water 



1 


bar bedded in white lead.. 





Carried to Summary 

$ 











































TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


249 


BILL No. 10. SMITH AND FOUNDER 


cwt. 

qrs. 

lbs. 


11 

9 

dmi 



1 

2 

7 



9 

No. 

4 



< t 

6 



i < 

56 


ft. 

(< 

3 


4 


run 

cwt. 

qrs. 

lbs. 


11 

0 

0 



ft. 

No. 

1 


10 


run 



< < 

1 



“ 

1 1 


Wrought Iron 

Plate girder, hoisting and 
fixing 16 ft. above ground 
Straps. 

Chimney-bars cambered and 

po 111 1/prl 

Y\" bolts (fixing Yn* “Carpen¬ 
ter”) 11" long, square heads, 

nuts and washers. 

Yz" ditto, 13" long. 

Yz' ditto, 6" long. 

Sets gibs and cotters. 

Yz" round galvanized iron 
saddle-bar. 

Cast Iron 

Hollow column fixed at 

ground-level. 

Pattern for above. 

2" R. W. pipe and fixing.. .. 

Extra to 2" shoe. 

2" R. W. head. 


Carried to Summary $ 


BILL No. 11. PLASTERER 

Laths to be lath and half butted, broken joints, and nailed with 

cut nails. 


yds. 

ft. 



Internally 




23 



sup. 

Lath, plaster, float and sei 








ceilings . 




29 



(( 

Ditto on partitions. 




22 



( t 

Render, float and set walls... 





68 


< ( 

Plaster moulded cornice. 






No. 

6 

Internal mitres. 






< i 

2 

External ditto. 





18 


run 

Keene’s cement angle. 





Carried to Summary $ 





























































250 


builders' and contractors’ guide 


BILL No. 12. PLUMBER 


cwts. 

40 


qrs. 

lbs 


Externally 



1 

14 | 


Milled lead and labor ir 



ft. 



flats, gutters, and flashing 



88 


run 

Lead wedging. 



17 


4 4 

Copper nailing, open. 




No. 

4 

Labor, dress angles aroum 






curb. 




i < 

28 

Labor, bossed ends to rolls.. 




< i 

13 

Labor, four-way intersections 




4 ( 

4 

Extra lead, labor, and solder 






in cesspools. 




< ( 

4 

4" socket pipes, 2 ft. long, 






double bent out of 7-lb. 






lead, and joint. 




<< 

4 

Domical wire covers to cess- 






pools. 






Internally 



25 


run 

X" strong lead pipe and dig- 






ging trench. 



75 


4 4 

X" lead pipe, bends, joints, 






and fixing. 



11 


4 4 

1" ditto. 



13 


44 

1 %" ditto.. 



5 


4 4 

1J4". ditto. 




No. 

1 

1 / 4 " soldered joint. 




44 

1 

short length pipe. 




< i 

1 

24" ditto and soldered joint . 




4 4 

1 

ji(" ditto and two joints. 




< 4 

1 

Extra to trumpet-mouth con- 






nection to sink grating. 




4 4 

2 

24" boiler screws and joints.. 




4 4 

1 

24" union and joint. 




4 4 

1 

1" inch brass bath overflow 






grating, union and joint... . 




44 

1 

134 " brass combined bath 






waste and trap, cleansing 






screw, and plug and joint 




4 4 

2 

l l / 2 " brass clips. 




4 4 

1 

3" brass sink grating. 




4 4 

1 

24" H.P.screw-down stopcock 






and joints. 




< i 

1 

X" H.P. screw-down bib valve 






and boss. 




< t 

1 

copper ball valve, boss, 






and soldered joint. 





1 

1%" lead S trap, screw cap 






and joints.... 




Carried forward $ 





































TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


PLUMBER— Continued 


ft. 

28 


No. 

1 

Brought forward 
Galvanized W. I. riveted cis¬ 
tern, 14B.W.G., 80 galls., 
and fixing. 


(4 

4 

Drill holes. 


<( 

1 

5 ft. C. I. porcelain bath, 
rolled top, enameled, and 
combined hot and cold 
brass bath valve and joints 


4 4 

1 

Drill hole. 


(< 

1 

1 

2 gall. W. W. preventing cis¬ 
tern, brass chain and pull 
Pair galvanized iron brackets 


44 

1 

1 

run 

Earthenware wash-down 
pedestal closet and trap in 

one piece and fixing. 

Joint W. C. to flush pipe, in¬ 
clude I. Rubber cone. 

4" lead soil pipe out of 7-lb. 
lead, including joints, tacks, 
and fixing to wall.... 


No. 

1 

Extra to junction bend and 
joint.. 


44 

1 

Joint between W. C. trap and 
4" lead soil pipe, including 
brass collar. 


44 

1 

Connect soil pipe to drain, in¬ 
cluding brass thimble. 


44 

1 

Domical copper wire cover.. 


t < 

1 

Connect with Water Co.’s 
main, including ferrule, 
paying fees, and making 
good road. 


M 

1 1 

Stop-cock and box. 

Carried to Summary 

































252 


BUILDERS* AND CONTRACTORS* GUIDE 


BILL No. 13. HOT-WATER ENGINEER 


ft. 



10 


run. 

6 


44 

42 


4 4 


No. 

2 


4 4 

6 


d 

1 


(< 

2 


44 

1 


«< 

1 


<4 

4 


u 

2 


44 

1 


4 4 

1 


(< 

1 


«< 

1 



2 


it 

1 





% "steam pipe. 

1" ditto. 

1J4" ditto. 

% " bends . 

V/ 4 " ditto. 

ii" elbow. 

1X'' X % " tees. 

% " short length pipe. 

Galvanized W. I. tank, * l /$" 
plate bare with manhole, 
30 galls., bearers and 

fixing .. 

Drill holes and connections 

1 brass unions. 

1" ditto . 

% " ditto... 

%" screw-down bib valve, 
engraved “hot,” and joint 

to iron pipe. 

12"X10" W. welded arched 

high pressure boiler. 

Drill holes and connect. 
Include short lengths of 
pipe, back-nuts and joints 
U" dead-weight safety valve 

and joint to iron. 

Allow for attendance in 
cutting away and making 
good after hot-water en¬ 
gineer, and test system at 
completion. 

Carried to Summary 


$ 







































TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


253 


BILL No. 14. PAINTER 

All materials to be of the best quality. 


ft. 



Knot, prime , stop , and j oils 





sup. 

General woodwork. 


$ 

47 


run. 

Skirting. 



No. 


M 

Dozen sash sheets, very 






large . 



4 4 


% 

Dozen sash squares, very 






large . 



4 t 


2 

Fanlights . ; . 



4 4 


2 

Sash frames, ordinary . 



4 4 


2 

Casement frames, very large 



4 4 

/ 

4 

Plinth blocks. 




Carried to Summary $ 


BILL No. 15. GLAZIER 

1 (1 glass to be best quality and free from bubbles. 


ft. 



13 


sup. 

If 


«( 

e 


(4 


21-oz. sheet glass in squares, 

6' to 8' super., and glazing 
J4" polished plate in squares, 

4' to 6' super., bedded in 

chamois leather. 

Stout lead quarry lights, 
with rolled cathedral 
plate (selected tints), cop¬ 
per ties and fixing. 

Carried to Summary $ 


f 


BILL No. 16. PAPERHANGER 
All paper to be hung with butt joints. 



No. 

4 

Pieces of paper, price 50 cts. 
per piece, and hanging to 
rpilinp’ . 





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Pieces of paper, price 75 cts. 
per piece, and hanging to 
walls. 





$ 


Carried to Summary 
























































Items 


There is danger of the quantity surveyer overlooking 
some important item, and in order to prevent this, the 
following items have been prepared so that measurement, 
of as many as possible, shall be measured: 


Inspection of site 

Examination of soil 

Note if gravel, soil, or sand 

Figure accordingly 

Get number of cubic yards 

The distance to be removed 

Where to be deposited 

Pumping water 

How drained 

Sewerage 

What depth of drains 

Depth of cellar 

Depth of foundation walls 

Width of footings 

Rock blasting 

Shoring banks 

Piling for foundations 

Sheet piling 

Excavations for piers 

Cesspool 

Cistern 

Trenches 

Cuttings for water pipes 
Grading 

Leveling cellar floor 
W. C. for workmen 
Removing fences 
Grubbing out tree stumps • 
Removing surplus soil 


Removing debris 

Sodding 

Carriageways 

Footpaths 

Driveways to rear 

Tamping earth 

Concreting foundation 

Openings for drain pipes 

Laying drain pipes 

Area of all tiles 

Weeping tiles 

Elbows and bends 

Traps of all kinds 

Intake water pipes 

Waste pipes 

Footings 

Cellar walls 

Furnace room 

Walls laid in cement 

Walls laid in lime mortar 

Walls built up of concrete 

Stone walls, field stone 

Stone walls, quarried stone 

Stone walls, dimension stone 

Brick walls for cellar 

Amount of stone 

Amount of bricks 

Amount of concrete 

Cellar steps 


254 


TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


255 


Cellar windows 
Cellar doors 
Cellar partitions 
Cellar coping stones 
Cellar sills and lintels 
Bond stones 
Cellar water closet 
Water taps, etc. 

Concrete and cement floor 

Plank floor 

Earth floor tamped 

Wine cellar 

Vegetable cellar 

Coal storage bins 

Coal chute 

Ashes receiver 

Cellar stairs 

Preserve closet 

Shelving 

Plastering walls and ceilings 
Damp courses in walls 
Double sashes in windows 
Doors, what kind 
Fireplace and chimney 
Laundry tubs 

Hot and cold water supply 
Furnace and attachments 
Furnace, hot water 
Furnace, steam water 
Furnace, hot air 
Gas jets, how many 
Electric lights, how many 
Laundry table 
Clothes drying device 
Mangle 

Chimney piece 
Stove rings 
Registers 
Cellar finish 

Wardrobe hooks and pins 


Cupboards and drawers 
Tool room 

Wash bowl and stand 
Kind of hardware 
Ground floor 
Number of rooms 
Number of doors 
Number of windows 
Style of doors 
Style of windows 
Sizes of doors and windows 
Thickness of doors and win¬ 
dows 

Kind of glass 
How windows are hung 
Hardwood or pine finish 
Outside walls, stone, brick or 
wood 

Thickness of walls 
If stone, rock face 
Tooled, rubbed 
Cross tooth chiseled 
Crandalled 
Brick wall 

Thickness of brick walls 
Common bricks 
Pressed bricks 

First, second and third quality 

Mixed, brick and stone 

Walls ornamented 

Walls left plain 

Window finish 

Urinals 

Slate slabs 

Exterior window finish 
Interior window finish 
Exterior door finish 
Interior door finish 
Betting courses 
Sailing courses 


256 


BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS GUIDE 


Laid in cement or mortar 

Front steps, stone 

Front steps, cement or wood 

Hall entrance 

Double floor, pine 

Hardwood floor 

Parquet floor in some rooms 

Tile floors 

Dimensions of joists 

Thickness of floors 

Height of ceilings 

Stairs, straight 

Stairs, winding 

Stairs, platform 

Pine or hardwood 

Kind of hardwood 

Styles of newels and balusters 

Plain finish in rooms 

Ornamental finish in rooms 

Fret and grill work 

Arches, plain or otherwise 

Styles of plastering 

Stucco cornices 

Styles of cornices 

Sliding doors 

Fireplaces 

How many 

Mantelpieces 

Mantelpieces, plain or orna¬ 
mental 

How finished 

Other wood finish 

Pillars, colum or brackets 

Base and plinth 

Style of trimmings 

Style of hardware 

Cost of hardware 

Crates and tiles 

Mirrors 

Gas lighting 


Jets and gasoliers 
Electric lighting 
Electroliers and brackets 
Piping for gas 
Wiring for electric lights 
Fitting clothes closets 
Fitting up den 
Fitting up closets 
Fitting up cellar stairs 
Fitting up dining room 
Fitting up other rooms 
Kitchen • finish 
Tubs, sinks, dresser 
Cupboards, china closet 
Butler’s pantry 
General pantry 
Range 

Steam cooker 

Chimneys 

Ventilation 

Painting 

Varnishing 

Wainscot 

Penelings 

Washstands 

Marble facings for walls 

Double windows 

Sashes, weights and cords 

Box frames 

Plain frames 

Window stools 

Inside shutters 

Inside blinds 

Splay boxes 

Tiled hearths 

Sash locks 

Tiled facings 

Back stairs 

Servant’s room 

Bay window 





TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


257 


Oriels 
Veranda 
Front porch 
Rear porch 
Stoop 

Back areas 
Front areas 
Iron railings 
Stone railings 
Balconies 
Window hoods 
Door hoods 
Door stops 
Door springs 
Plate glass 
Stained glass 
Niches 

Closet fittings 
Provide for heating 
Conservatory 
Corrugated glass 
Skylights 

Handrail, oak or mahogany 
Bracketed stairs 
Anchors and tie irons 
Vaults 
Angle irons 
Bond timbers 
Carving, if any 
Scaffolding 
Temporary enclosure 
Iron beams 
Iron columns 
Gas pipe pillars 
Water on main floor 
Taps, nickel plated 
Taps, plain 
Glazier’s work 
Meters, syphons 
Elbows, pendants 
17 


Painting 

Paper hanging 

Iron pipes 

Lead pipes 

Brass pipes 

Washers, wastes 

Plugs, grating 

Pumps, suction pipes 

Wall hooks, supply pipes 

Cast iron work 

Wrought iron work 

Stucco work generally 

Stucco friezes, enrichments 

Stucco pateras, panels 

Stucco moldings 

Stucco beads, straight 

Stucco beads, over arches 

Stucco arrises, quirks 

Stucco reveals angles 

Stucco centerpieces 

General plastering 

Two coats 

Three coats 

Lathing 

Quality of laths 
Sand, lime and hair 
Plaster of Paris 
Clean water 
Sound story joists 
Studding for partitions 
Beams 

Trimmers for hearths 
Trimmers for stairs 
Trimmers for chimneys 
Strapping walls 
Dimensions of strapping 
Wooden bricks 
Plugging walls 
Nailing strips 
Temporary sashes 


258 


builders' and contractors' guide 


Lanterns 
Louvres 
Thresholds 
If metal ceilings 
If metal cornices 
Metal centerpieces 
Bridging joists 
Bridging studding 
Dimension of studs 
Double partitions for sliding 
doors 

Lining pocket of sliding doors 
Hanging sliding doors 
Framing wooden house 
Boarding inside 
Boarding outside 
Boarding both sides 
Papering one or both sides 
Horizontal boarding 
Diagonal boarding 
Tar paper or plain paper 
Outriggers 
Towers 

Two-story bay windows 
Two-story oriels 
Two-story balcony 
Two-story porches 
Two-story verandas 
Three or more stories of same 
Iron railings for balconies 
Wood railings for same 
Ornamental iron column 
Ornamental brackets, iron 
Iron supports for platform 
Iron trusses for balconies 
Iron plates for piers 
Other iron work 
Siding frame buildings 
Half-timbered building 
Rough cast building 


Brick veneered building 

Wood cornice outside 

Metal cornice outside 

Shingle cornice outside 

Brick cornice outside 

Stone cornice outside 

Attic floor joists 

Rafters 

Collar beams 

Trusses for roofs 

Framing for dormers 

Framing for eye-winkers 

Dormer windows 

Chimney stacks 

Framing roof 

Boarding roof 

Mortar under shingles 

Mortar under slate 

Asbestos paper under covering 

Common paper under covering 

Shingle roof 

Slate roof 

Tile roof 

Composition roof 

Tin roof 

Galvanized iron roof 

Roofs painted 

Flashing of all kinds 

Tin flashings 

Zinc flashings 

Galvanized iron flashings 

Eave troughs 

Conductor pipes 

Size of conductor pipes 

Mansard roof 

Saddle roof 

Hip roof 

Flat roof 

Tower roof 

Square tower roof 



TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


259 


Conical roof 

Steeple roof 

Polygon roof 

Bay window roof 

Porch roof 

Roof over balcony 

Veranda roof 

Framings for veranda 

Chamber floors 

Attic floors 

Bedroom fittings 

Number of doors in bedrooms 

Washbasins 

Closets, drawers and fitments 

Servants’ bedrooms 

Hall, sewing room 

Continuous stairway 

Bathroom and fitments 

Water closet, in what style 

Bathroom washstand 

Linen closet 

Nursery 

Fireplaces 

Mantels 

Tiling for fireplaces 
Base, style of finish 
Built in seats 
Finish in main bedroom 
Finish in nursery 
Finish in servant’s room 
Finish in bathroom 
Finish in hall 
Finish in closets 
Openings and arches 
Style of painting 
Pine finish 
Hardwood finish 
Character of finish 
Cost of hardware 
Style and cost of bath tub 


Style of water closet 
Marble washstand 
Tiled walls 
Tiled floor 
Marble lined walls 
Ventilation 
Air ducts 
Register 
Bath trimmings 
Shower bath 
Hot and cold water 
Stairway to attic 
Attic storerooms 
Attic, clothes drying room 
Children’s playroom in attic 
Inside trim of dormer windows 
General finish of attic 
Water closet and lavatory in 
attic 

Painting in attic 
Attic doors 
Heating attic 
Attic storeroom 
Children’s toy room 
Hall in attic 

Railing around attic stairway 

Closets in attic 

Water in attic 

Plastering in attic 

Attic Walls all boarded 

Matched ceiling in attic 

Attic hardware 

Chimney tops 

Style of chimney tops 

Chimney pots 

Finishing top of chimney 

Stone tops 

Cement tops 

Metal tops 

Roof decks 


260 BUILDERS AND 

CONTRACTORS GUIDE 

Railing for decks 

Chestnut posts 

Rolls for ridges 

Spandid panels 

Cresting for ridges * 

Lattice work 

Wood cresting 

Entrance approach 

Metal crestings 

Porte-cochere 

Terra cotta crestings 

Stepladders 

Terra cotta panels 

Refrigerator 

Terra cotta work generally 

Cold storage shelving 

Hatchway in deck 

Wine bottle racks 

Scuttle in deck 

Folding partitions 

Lead work 

Boxed shutters 

Copper work 

Boxed blinds 

Tin work 

Sliding blinds 

Roof painting 

Rolling blinds 

Painted or dipped shingles 

Venetian blinds 

Stairs to roof or deck 

Dumb waiter 

Flagpole 

Transom doors 

Halyards 

Transom windows 

Wire guards 

Mullion windows 

Snow guards 

Circular top windows 

Storm sashes 

Elliptical windows 

Storm doors 

Double-hung windows 

Screen doors 

Single-hung windows 

Wire screens for windows 

Windows, plain 

Wood gables 

Windows, ornamental 

Brick or stone gables 

Pavements 

Half-timbered gables 

Slop hoppers 

Plastered gables 

Vestibule 

Shingled gables 

Vestibule partition 

Deafening floors 

Vestibule floor 

Deafening walls 

Hardwood or tile 

Pugging floors 

Wainscot in vestibule 

Sub-floors 

Wainscot up stairway 

Diagonal floors 

Paneled stair strings 

Rough floors 

Hardwood stairs 

Cellar sleepers 

Wood-shed 

Cedar posts 

Coal-shed 


While the foregoing does not pretend to give all the 
items that may be required, it offers to the measurer some 






TO CORRECT MEASUREMENTS 


261 


hints as to what is required, in a general way, for 
domestic buildings. For factories, stables, barns, ware¬ 
houses, public buildings, churches, schools, railway sta¬ 
tions, and similar work, a more elaborate list would be 
required, but the workman should be able to find all the 
items in the specifications prepared for the work under 
consideration, and if he is thorough he will add to the list 
as given above such items with their cost, as he goes 
over them when taking off the quantities. 

The reader of this book, should also obtain a copy of 
Hodgson’s Estimator and Contractor’s Guide; which is a 
companion book to this. This one gives methods of 
computing quantities, the Contractor’s Guide shows how 
to price them. So it will be seen that the two books 
should go together. 


CONTRACTORS’ GUIDE. 


INDEX. 


PAGE 

RULES FOR MEASUREMENT OF 

Mason Work. 7 

Brick Work. 18 

Wright Work. 23 

Glazier Work. 38 

Slater Work. 42 

Plumber Work. 45 

Plaster Work. 49 

Painter Work. 53 

METHODS OF MEASURING. 58 

FORM OF DIMENSION BOOK. 59 

METHOD OF MEASURING: 

Mason Work. CO 

Brick Work. 77 

Carpenter and Joiner Work. 82 

Glazier Work. 93 

Slater Work. 95 

Plaster Work. 97 

Plumber Work. 103 

Painter Work. 107 

FORM OF MEASUREMENT FOR: 

Mason and Brick Work. 110 

Plaster Work. 137 

Plumber Work. 139 

Tile Linings. 142 

Painter Work. 143 

FORM OF ESTIMATE FOR: 

Excavator, Mason, Brick, Iron and Steel Work. G4 

Carpenter and Joiner Work. 122 

Slater Work. 100 

Lather and Plaster Work. 101 

Plumber Work. 103 

Tile Linings. 106 

Painter Work. 107 


































INDEX 


NOTES ON: ^ 

Excavator Work. 147 

Mason and Brick Work. 150 

Carpenters and Joiners Work. 155 

Slater Work. 101 

Plaster Work. 10 ^ 

Plumber Work. 103 

Painter Work. 107 

FORM OF: 

Mason Work in Note Book. 108 

Brick Work in Note Book. 172 

Carpenter and Joiner Work in Note Book. 173 

Slater Work in Note Book. 183 

Plaster Work in Note Book. 184 

Plumber Work in Note Book. 189 

Painters Work in Note Book. 191 

ABBREVIATIONS THAT MAY BE USED IN NOTE 

BOOK. 19G 

PRACTICAL MEASUREMENTS OF GEOMETRICAL 

AREAS. 199 

ABSTRACTING . 213 

EXAMPLES OF ABSTRACTING. 218 

EXCAVATOR . 218 

DRAINAGE . 219 

BRICKLAYER . 220 

MASON . 222 

TILER . 223 

SLATER . 224 

CARPENTER . 224 

JOINER AND HARDWARE. 226 

SMITH AND FOUNDER. 229 

PLASTERER . 231 

PLUMBER . 231 

HOT WATER ENGINEER. 234 

PAINTER . 235 

GLAZIER . 235 

PAPER HANGER. 235 

BILLING . 236 

SUMMARY . 239 

EXAMPLES OF BILLING. 240 

ITEMS . 254 

QUESTIONS FOR STUDENTS.262 










































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Cost of this house is from $2,800 to $2,900. 






























































































Floor Plans of the 
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Cost of this house is from $2,200 to $2,250, according to the locality in which it is built. 






































Floor Plans of “The Woods 



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Full and complete working plans and specifications of this house will be furnished for $5.00, 
Cost of this house is about $1,000, according to the locality in which it is built. 

















































Floor Plan of “The Pomeroy 



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Floor Plans of “The Pearle 



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Full and complete working plans and specifications of this house will be frnished for $6.00. 
Cost of this house is from $3,300 to $3,400, according to the locality in which it is built. 

























































































































































































Floor Plans of the “Glencoe 







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Full and complete working plans and specifications of this house will be furnished for $5.00. 
Cost of this house is from $2,400 to $2,500, according to the locality in which it is built. 













































































































































































Floor Plans of “The Green Lake 





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The Harmon” Price of Plans and 

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Full and complete working plans and specifications of this house will be furnished for $5.00. 
Cost of this house is from $1 000 to $1,100, according to the locality in which it is built. 




















































































































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St. James Church Price of Plans and 

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This church has been erected at a cost of $8,500, 


































Floor Plan of “St. James Church 


































































































Full and complete working plans and specifications of this house will be furnished for $5.00. 
Cost of this house is from $1,700 to $1,800, according to the locality in which it is built 
Special itemized estimate of cost for $ 1.00 extra. 



























































































Floor Plans of “The Southern 





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The Cedars'' Price of Plans and 

Specifications 



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Full and complete working plans and specifications of this house will be furnished for $15.00. 
Cost of this house is from $7,000 to $7,500, according to the locality in which it is built. 

























































































































































































Floor Plans of “The Cedars 






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The Waco” Price of Plans and 

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rull and complete working plans and specifications of this house will be furnished for $7.50. 
Cost of this house is from $4,000 to $4,200, according to the locality in which it is built. 

























































































































Floor Plans of “The Waco 





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Blue prints consist of cellar and foundation plan; floor pians; roof plan; front and side elevations. 
Complete typewritten specifications with each set of plans. 

































































































































































































































































































Floor Plan of “The Wisconsin 




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The Weston” Price of Plans and 

Specifications 


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u The Wood Bower” Price of Plans and 

.'} Specifications 



Full and complete working plans and specifications of this house will be furnished for $5.00. 
Cost of this house is from $1,200 to $1,250, according to the locality in which it is built. 













Floor Plans of “The Woodbowe 



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Blue prints consist of cellar and foundation plans; floor plans; roof plan; front and side elevations. 
Complete typewritten specifications with each set of plans. 







































































































































The Virginia 0 Price cf Plans and 

Specifications 





Full and complete working plans and specifications of this house will be furnished for $5,00, 
Cost of this house is from $1,700 to $1,900, according to the locality in which it is built. 
































Floor Plans of “The Virginia 




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Floor Plans of “The Watkins 



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The Wilier’ ’ Price of Plans and 

Specifications 


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Floor Plan of “The Wilier 



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The American 


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^Ioor Plan of l{ The American 


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Blue prints consist of foundation plan; floor plan; roof plan; front and side eievatlons. 
Complete typewritten specifications with each set of dans. 

























































Full and complete plans and specifications of this house will be furnished for $5.00. 
Cost of this house is about $2,400. 




















Floor Plans of “The Adele 






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Floor Plans of u The Yonkers 



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Full and complete working plans and specifications of this house will be furnished for $6.00. 
Cost of this house is from $3,200 to $3,300, according to the locality in which it is built. 


























































































Floor Plans of “The Buena Vista 





Blue prints consist of cellar and foundation plan; floor plans; front and side elevations. 
Complete typewritten specifications with each set of dans. 



































































































































































































Full and complete plans and specifications of this house will be furnished for $5.00. 
Cost of this house is from $ 1.800 to $ 1,900. 



































































































































































































































































































































Floor Plans of “The Boyd 



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The Bensonhurst 


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Full and complete working plans and specifications of this house will be furnished for $6.00. 
Cost of this house is from $3,200 to $3,300, according to the locality in which it is built. 


































































































Floor Plans of “The Bensonhurst 




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Blue prints consist of cellar and foundation plan; roof plan; floor plans; front and side elevations. 
Complete typewritten specifications with each set of pians. 



















































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Full and complete working plans and specifications of this house will be furnished for $5.00. 
Cost of this house is from $2,300 to $2,400, according to the locality in which it is built. 








































































Floor Plans of “The Beck 






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Full and complete plans and specifications of this house will be furnished for $5.00. 

Cost of this house is from $1,500 to $1,600, according to the locality in which it is built. 

























floor Plan of “The Celestia 


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Blue prints consist of cellar and foundation plan; roof plan; floor plan; front 
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Complete tyoewritten specifications with each set of plans. 






































































The Cazenovia 








































































































































Floor Plans of “The Cazenovia 



Blue prints consist of cellar and foundation plan; roof plan; floor plans; front and side elevations. 
Complete typewritten specifications with each set of plans. 







































































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Full and complete working plans and specifications of this house will be furnished for $5.00 
Cost of this house is from $2,600 to $2,800, according to the locality in which it is built. 





















Floor Plans of “The Baldwin’ 



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Full and complete working plans and specifications of this house will be furnished for $5.00. 
Cost of this house is from $2,800 to $3,000, according to the locality in which it is built. 




























































































































































Floor Plans of “The Atlantic 





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Blue prints consist of cellar and foundation plan; floor plans; roof plan; fron-t and side elevations. 
Complete typewritten specifications with each set of plans. 



















































































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Floor Plans of “The Asbu 




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Full and complete plans and specifications of this house will be furnished for $5.00. 

Cost of this house is from $2,500 to $2,700, according to the locality in which it is built. 























Floor Plans of “The Dionelli 



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Full and complete working plans and specifications of this nouse will be furnished for $5.0(X 
Cost of this house is from $2,400 to $2,500, according to the locality in which it is built. 



























Floor Plans of “The Denver 



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set of plans. 



















































































































































Country School House*’ Priceof Plans and 

t Specifications 





Full and complete working plans of this school house will be furnished for $5.00. 
This school building has been erected at a cost of $ ] ,600- 
























































Floor Plan of a “Country School House 



Blue prints consist of floor plan; front and side elevations; foundation plan; porch detail. 
Complete typewritten specifications with each set of plans. 






























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Floor Plan of “The Cottag 


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Blue prints consist of floor plan; roof plan; front and side elevations. 
Complete typewritten specifications with each set of plans. 










































Full and complete plans and specifications of this house will be furnished for $5.00. 

Cost of this house is from $2,600 to $2,700. according to the locality in which it is built 














































































































Floor Plans of “The Corbin 




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Complete typewrirten specifications with each set of plans. 







































































































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Full and complete working plans and specifications of this house will be furnished for $5.00. 
Cost of this house is from $2,500 to 600, according to the locality in which it is built. 






































































































































Floor Plans of “The Columbia 



plan; front and side elevations. 

Complete typewritten specifications with 
each set of plans. 






































































































































































The Clovernook 



Full and complete working plans and specifications of this house will be furnished for $5.00. 
Cost of this house is from $750 to $800. according to the locality in which it is built. 










































































































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Blue prints consist of cellar and foundation plan; floor plan; roof plan; front and side elevations. 
Complete typewritten specifications with each set of plans. 



























































Full and complete working plans and specifications of this house will be furnished for $6.00. 
Cost of this house is from $3,600 to $3,700, according to the locality in which it is built. 


























































































































































































































Floor Plans of “The Fox Lake 





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Blue prints consist of cellar and foundation plan; roof plan; floor plans; front, and side elevations. 
Complete typewritten specifications with each set of plans. 

















































































Full and complete plans and specifications of this house will be furnished for $5.00. 

Cost of this house is from $2,200 to $2,300, according to the locality in which it is built. 










































































Floor Plans of “The Bennett 



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Blue prints consist of cellar and foundation plan; roof plan; floor plans; front and side elevations. 
Complete typewritten specifications with each set of plans. 






































































































Full and complete plans and specifications of this house will be furnished for $ 10.00. 

Cost of this house is from $4,000 to $4,250, according to the locality in which it is built, 


































































Floor Plans of “The Badenoch' 


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The Brookdale” Price of Plans and 

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Full and complete working plans and specifications of this house will be furnished for $5.(XX 
Cost of this house is from $2,500 to $2,700, according to the locality in which it is built. 























Floor Plans of 
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Complete typewritten specifications with each set of plans. 











































































































































































The Canadian Price of Plans and 

Specifications 


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Fall and complete working plans and specifications of this house will be furnished for $5.00. 
Cost of this house is from $2,200 to $2,300, according to the locality in which it is bui'.t. 





































































Floor Plans of ‘‘The Canadian 



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--- Blue prints consist of cellar and foundation plan; first and second floor plans; 

=■ - ~ ^ roof plan; front and side elevations. 

FIRST FLOOR PLAN Complete typewritten specifications with each set of plans. 












































































































































The Bowe” Price of Plans and 

Specifications 



Full and complete working plans and specifications of this house will be furnished for $5.00. 
Cost of this house is from $1,200 to $1,300, according to the locality in which it is built. 


























Floor Plan of “The Bowe 


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Floor Flans of “The Bay Ridge 






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Full and complete working plans and specifications of this house will be furnished for $6.00. 
Cost of this house is from $3,100 to $3,200, according to the locality in which it is built. 











































































































































Floor Plans of “The Collingwood 




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Blue prints consist of cellar and foundation plan; floor plan; roof plan; front and side elevation. 
Complete typewritten specifications with each set of plans. 

















































































Full and complete working plans and specifications of this house will be furnished for $5.00. 
Cost of this house is from $1,000 to $1,100, according to the locality in which it is built. 

















































































































































































































































































































































































































































Floor Plan of “The Cosy 


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Full and complete working plans and specifications of this concrete house will be furnished for $5.00. 
Cost of this house is from $1,350 to $1,400, according to the locality in which it is built. 

Can furnish detail estimate and bill of materials for $2.50 extra. 





































































































Fluor Plan of “The Concrete 



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Blue prints consist of cellar and foundation plan; roof plan; floor plan; front and side ejevations. 
Complete typewritten specifications with each set of plans. 


























































Builders’ Reliable Estimator 


and 

Contractors’ Guide 


By FRED T. HODGSON. 


Two volumes in one, nearly 550 pages. Fully illus¬ 
trated with diagrams. Bound in silk cloth. Special, 
Exclusive Edition. Printed by Frederick J. Drake & 
Company expressly for Sears, Roebuck & Company. 

HODGSON’S MODERN ESTIMATOR AND CON¬ 
TRACTORS’ GUIDE, for pricing all builders’ work. 
By Fred T. Hodgson. Retail price $1.50. 

THE BUILDERS’ AND CONTRACTORS’ GUIDE 
to correct measurement for estimating. By Fred 
T. Hodgson and W. M. Brown, C. E. Retail price 
$1.50. 

FIFTY HOUSE PLANS, showing perspective views 
and floor plans. Retail price $1.00. 

A COMPLETE GUIDE FOR PRICING ALL 
BUILDERS’ WORK. It contains many tables, rules 
and useful memoranda. GUIDE TO CORRECT 
MEASUREMENTS is found in the second part of 
this work. This shows how all kinds of odd, crooked 
and difficult measurements may be taken, to secure 
correct results. Profusely illustrated. 

No. 3R9120 BUILDERS’ RELIABLE ESTIMATOR 
AND CONTRACTORS’ GUIDE. 


OUR SPECIAL PRICE $1.45. 

If by mail, postage extra per set, 23 cents. 


SEARS, ROEBUCK & COMPANY, 
Chicago, Ill. 
















STANDARD AMERICAH 

GAS AND OIL ENGINE, AUTOMOBILE AND FARM 

ENGINE GUIDE 

A Complete Encyclopedia of the Construction, 
Operation and Management of Gas Engines, Gasoline 
Engines, Automobiles, Farm Engines and Traction En¬ 
gines, together with Complete Questions and Answers. 
By Stevenson & Brookes. Three volumes in one. Over 
600 pages. Fully illustrated. Bound in Full Persian 
Morocco, with flap, pocketbook style. Special, Exclu¬ 
sive Edition. Printed by Frederick J. Drake & Com¬ 
pany expressly for Sears, Roebuck & Company. Con¬ 
tains: 

PRACTICAL GAS AND OIL ENGINE HAND 
BOOK, including stationary, marine and portable gas 
and gasoline engines. By L. Elliott Brookes. Retail 
price, $1.50. 

THE AUTOMOBILE HAND BOOK. By L. Elliott 
Brookes. Retail price $1.50. 

FARM ENGINES AND HOW TO RUN THEM, 
AND THE TRACTION ENGINE. By James H. 
Stevenson. Retail price $1.00. 

GAS AND OIL ENGINES. AUTOMOBILES. 

FARM ENGINES, TRACTION ENGINES AND 
HOW TO RUN THEM. 

HOW TO RUN A THRESHING MACHINE. 

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. 

THIS WORK IS PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED. 

No. 3R9220 Standard American Gas and Oil Engine, 
Automobile and Farm Engine Guide. 


OUR SPECIAL PRICE $2.19. 

If by mail, postage extra, 22 cents. 


SEARS, ROEBUCK & COMPANY, 
Chicago, Ill. 















American Blachsmiiffing, Toolsmilhs’ 

— AND _ - 

Steel Worhers’ Manual 

By HOLMSTROM and HOLFORD. 


Two volumes in one. 600 pages. Fully illustrated. 
Bound in silk cloth. Special, Exclusive Edition. 
Printed by Frederick J. Drake & Company expressly 
for Sears, Roebuck & Company. Contains: 

MODERN BLACKSMITHING, RATIONAL 
HORSESHOEING AND WAGON MAKING. By 
J. G. Holmstrom. Retail price $1.00. 

CORRECT HORSE, MULE AND OX SHOEING. 
By J. G. Holmstrom. Retail price $1.00. 

TWENTIETH CENTURY TOOLSMITHS’ AND 
STEEL WORKERS’ MANUAL. By Holford. 
Retail price $1.50. 

BLACKSMITHING. It comprises particulars and de¬ 
tails regarding the anvil, tool table, sledge, tongs, 
hammers, how to use them, correct position at anvil, 
welding, tube expanding, the horse, anatomy of the 
foot, horseshoes, horseshoeing, hardening a plow¬ 
share, babbitting, etc. 

TOOLSMITHING AND STEEL WORKING. Covers 
composition of cast tool steel, heating, forging, ham¬ 
mering, hardening, etc. Tempering, welding, anneal¬ 
ing, cause of tools cracking when hardening. 

LINE ENGRAVINGS AND DIAGRAMS. The book 
is very fully illustrated and contains numerous work¬ 
ing rules and recipes. Experienced blacksmiths, steel 
and tool workers, as well as beginners, will get 
pleasure and helpful suggestions from this book. 

No. 3R9240 AMERICAN BLACKSMITHING TOOL- 
SMITH AND STEELWORKERS’ MANUAL. 


OUR SPECIAL PRICE, $1.62. 

If by mail, postage extra, 22 cents. 

SEARS, ROEBUCK & COMPANY, 
Chicago, Ill. 













STANDARD AMERICAN CYCLOPEDIA 

OF STEAM ENGINEERING 


Including Electricity for Engineers, Boilers, Steam Turbines, Refrigeration, 
Lubrication, Pumps, Valve Setting, Marine Engine, Mechanical 
and Machine Design and Questions and Answers 
for Stationary and Marine Engineers. 


By CALVIN F. SWINGLE and OTHERS. 


Four volumes in one. Bound in full Persian Morocco. 
Pocketbook style with flap. Stamped in gold. Full 
gold edges. 1,200 pages. Fully illustrated. Special, 
Exclusive Edition. Printed by Frederick J. Drake & 
Company expressly for Sears, Roebuck & Company. 
This work covers everything contained in the follow¬ 
ing volumes: 

SWINGLE’S TWENTIETH CENTURY HAND 
BOOK FOR STEAM ENGINEERS AND ELEC¬ 
TRICIANS. By Calvin F. Swingle. Retail price $3.00. 

COMPLETE EXAMINATION QUESTIONS AND 
ANSWERS FOR MARINE AND STATIONARY 
ENGINEERS. By Calvin F. Swingle. Retail price $1.50. 

PRACTICAL MECHANICAL DRAWING AND 
MACHINE DESIGN SELF-TAUGHT. By Charles 
Westinghouse. Retail price $2.00. 

DYNAMO TENDING FOR ENGINEERS AND 
ELECTRICITY FOR STEAM ENGINEERS. By 
Henry C. Horstmann and Victor H. Tousley. Retail 
price $1.50. 

Making the full retail value of the STANDARD 
AMERICAN CYCLOPEDIA OF STEAM ENGI¬ 
NEERING, $8.00. 

INCLUDING 

CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF STEAM ENGINES, BOILERS 
AND DYNAMOS, VALVES AND VALVE SETTING, ME¬ 
CHANICAL STOKERS, THE STEAM TURBINE, REFRIG¬ 
ERATION, PUMPS, AIR COMPRESSORS, SETTING STEAM 
VALVES, LUBRICATION, ELECTRICITY FOR ENGIN¬ 
EERS, COMPLETE ENGINEERS’ CATECHISM, MECHAN¬ 
ICAL AND MACHINE DRAWING, and PROFUSELY IL¬ 
LUSTRATED. 

No. 3R9200 STANDARD AMERICAN CYCLOPEDIA 
OF STEAM ENGINEERING. 

OUR SPECIAL PRICE $2.78. 

If by mail, postage extra, 22 cents. 


SEARS, ROEBUCK & COMPANY, Chicago, Ill. 












Easy Steps in Architecture 

■ AND . 

Architectural Drawing 

For Students, Carpenters and Builders 


By FRED T. HODGSON. 


Two volumes in one. 600 pages. Fully illustrated. 
Bound in silk cloth. Special, Exclusive Edition. 
Printed by Frederick J Drake & Company expressly 
for Sears, Roebuck & Company. Contains: 

BUILDERS’ ARCHITECTURAL DRAWING SELF- 
TAUGHT. By Fred T. Hodgson, Architect. Re¬ 
tail price $2.00. 

EASY LESSONS IN ARCHITECTURE. By Fred T. 
Hodgson, Architect. Retail price $2.00. 

FIFTY HOUSE PLANS. Retail price $1.00. 

MAKE A COMPETENT, SELF-SUPPORTING 
ARCHITECT OF YOURSELF. This work con¬ 
tains everything that is necessary for a complete, 
self-teaching course in architecture. 

ARCHITECTURAL DRAWING SELF-TAUGHT. 
This part of the work is especially designed for 
carpenters and builders and other wood workers who 
desire to learn drawing at home. 

MANY HUNDREDS OF FINE LINE ENGRAV¬ 
INGS made especially for this work are drawn to 
scale, with twenty-five large, double folding plates. 

No. 3R9140 EASY STEPS IN ARCHITECTURE 
AND ARCHITECTURAL DRAWING. 


OUR SPECIAL PRICE $1.45. 

If by mail, postage extra, 25 cents. 


SEARS, ROEBUCK & COMPANY, 
Chicago, Ill. 


















Standard American Plumbing 

Hot Air and Hot ater 



Heating 

earn and Gas Fitting 


By CLOW and DONALDSON. 


Three volumes in one. Over 600 pages. Fully illus¬ 
trated. Special, Exclusive Edition. Printed by 
Frederick J. Drake & Company expressly for Sears, 
Roebuck & Company. Contains: 

PRACTICAL UP-TO-DATE PLUMBING. By Geo. 
B. Clow. Retail price $1.50. 

HOT WATER HEATING, STEAM AND GAS FIT¬ 
TING. By William Donaldson. Retail price $1.50. 

WORKING DRAWINGS. Retail price $1.50. Among 
the subjects this valuable book treats of: 

SANITARY PLUMBING. 

MODERN HOT WATER, HOT AIR AND 
STEAM HEATING. 

STEAM AND GAS FITTING. 

WORKING DRAWINGS. 

No 3R9180 STANDARD AMERICAN PLUMBING, 
HOT AIR AND HOT WATER HEATING, 
STEAM AND GAS FITTING. 


OUR SPECIAL PRICE $1.62. 

If by mail, postage extra, 21 cents. 


SEARS, ROEBUCK & COMPANY, 
Chicago, Ill. 























CYCLOPEDIA 


Bricklaying, Stone Masonry, Concretes, 

Stuccos and Plasters 

Covering Everything Connected with the Allied Trades 

By FRED T. HODGSON. 


Three volumes in one. 840 pages. Fully illustrated. 
Bound in silk cloth. Special, Exclusive Edition. 
Printed by Frederick J. Drake & Company expressly 
for Sears, Roebuck & Company. Contains: 

THE TWENTIETH CENTURY BRICKLAYER’S 
AND MASON’S ASSISTANT. By Fred T. Hode- 
son. Retail price $1.50. 

CONCRETES, CEMENTS, MORTARS, PLASTERS 
AND STUCCOS. How to Make and How to Use 
Them. By Fred T. Hodgson. Retail price $1.50. 

DIAGRAMS AND PLATES. Retail price $1.50. 
Bricklaying—Stone Masonry—Concretes and Ce¬ 
ments—Mortars, Plastering and Stucco Work. 

There are 1,000 Illustrations and Diagrams. 

No. 3R9130 CYCLOPEDIA OF BRICKLAYING, 
STONE MASONRY, CONCRETES, STUCCOS 
AND PLASTERS. 

OUR SPECIAL PRICE $1.62. 

If by mail, postage extra, 21 cents. 


SEARS, ROEBUCK & COMPANY, 
Chicago, Ill. 


I 














Standard American Locomotive 
= 1 Engineering =— 

COMPLETE IN ALL ITS BRANCHES 

Including Railroad Signaling, Block Systems, Breakdowns, 
Valve Setting, Air Brakes, with Complete 
Questions and Answers. 

By C. F. SWINGLE and W. G. WALLACE. 


Over four volumes in one. Bound in full Persian 
Morocco, with flap, pocketbook style, stamped in 
gold. Full gold edges. 1,150 pages. Fully illustrated. 
Special, Exclusive Edition. Printed by Frederick J. 
Drake & Company expressly for Sears, Roebuck & 
Company. It contains: 

MODERN LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERING, Twen¬ 
tieth Century Edition, with Questions and Answers. 
By C. F. Swingle. Retail price $3.00. 

RAILWAY SIGNALING AND STATION WORK. 
By W. G. Wallace. Retail price $2.00. 

STANDARD EXAMINATION QUESTIONS AND 
ANSWERS, for Firemen. By W. G. Wallace. Re¬ 
tail price $1.50. 

MODERN AIR BRAKE PRACTICE, Its Use and 
Abuse, including the new E. T. Equipment. By Frank 
H. Dukesmith. Retail price $1.50. And all the matter 
contained in the following two books, each one of 
which retails for $1.50. 

LOCOMOTIVE BREAKDOWNS. THE W A L- 
SCHAERT VALVE GEAR. Making full retail Value 
of the Standard American Locomotive Engineering, $11.00. 

A VERITABLE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF LOCOMO¬ 
TIVE ENGINEERING, including BOILERS, 
VALVES, VALVE GEAR AND VALVE SET¬ 
TING, AIR BRAKE PRACTICE, LOCOMOTIVE 
BREAKDOWNS, COMPOUND LOCOMOTIVES, 
RAILWAY SIGNALING, BLOCK SYSTEMS, 
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS, and FULLY 
ILLUSTRATED. 

No. 3R9210. STANDARD AMERICAN LOCOMO¬ 
TIVE ENGINEERING. 

OUR SPECIAL PRICE $2.85. 

If by mail, postage extra, 22 cents. 


SEARS, ROEBUCK & COMPANY, Chicago, Ill. 
















Modern Machine Shop Practice 

-INCLUDING- 

PATTERN MAKING and 
FOUNDRY PRACTICE 

By BROOKES and HAND. 


Two volumes in one. 800 pages. Fully illustrated. 
Bound in cloth. Special, Exclusive Edition. Printed 
by Frederick J. Drake & Company expressly for 
Sears, Roebuck & Company. Contains: 

TWENTIETH CENTURY MACHINE SHOP 
PRACTICE. By L. Elliott Brookes. Retail price 
$ 2 . 00 . 

PATTERN MAKING AND FOUNDRY PRACTICE. 
By L. H. Hand. Retail price $1.50. This book is 
intended for the practical instruction of machinists, 
engineers, etc. 

MODERN MACHINE SHOP PRACTICE. It clearly 
but concisely describes the properties of steam, the 
indicator, horse power, electricity, measuring de¬ 
vices, machinists’ tools. 

PATTERN MAKING AND FOUNDRY PRACTICE. 
Nearly every problem explained is taken from an 
actual pattern. 

HUNDREDS OF ILLUSTRATIONS. These illustra¬ 
tions show views of the latest machines, the most 
up-to-date and improved belt and motor-driven ma¬ 
chine tools, with full information as to their use and 
operation. 

No. 3R9250 MODERN MACHINE SHOP PRAC¬ 
TICE, including PATTERN MAKING AND 
FOUNDRY PRACTICE. 

OUR SPECIAL PRICE $1.75. 

If by mail, postage extra, 24 cents. 


SEARS, ROEBUCK & COMPANY, 
Chicago, Ill. 











Modern palming. Hardwood 
Finishing and Sign Writing 

Covering Every Branch of this Profession. 


By ARMSTRONG, HODGSON AND DELAMOTTE. 


Three volumes in one. Nearly 700 pages. Fully illus¬ 
trated. Special, Exclusive Edition. Printed by Fred¬ 
erick J. Drake & Company expressly for Sears, Roe¬ 
buck & Company. Contains: 

THE PAINTER’S ENCYCLOPEDIA. By Geo. D. 
Armstrong. Retail price $1.50. 

THE UP-TO-DATE HARDWOOD FINISHER, in¬ 
cluding manipulation of wood of all kinds. By Fred 
T. Hodgson. Retail price $1.00. 

SIGN WRITING. By F. Delamotte. Retail price 
$1.50. 

Including 

PAINTS AND PAINTING, 

WOOD FINISHING, 

MODERN UP-TO-DATE ARTISTIC 
SIGN PAINTING, 

AND PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED. 

No. 3R9150 MODERN PAINTING, HARDWOOD 
FINISHING AND SIGN WRITING. 


OUR SPECIAL PRICE $1.89. 

If by mail, postage extra, 23 cents. 


SEARS, ROEBUCK & COMPANY, 
Chicago, Ill. 









STANDARD AMERICAN ELECTRICIAN 


A COMPLETE ENCYCLOPEDIA 
OF ELECTRICITY 

By HORSTMANN and TOUSLEY 


Four volumes in one. Bound in full Persian morocco, 
Pocketbook style, with flap. Stamped in gold. Full 
gold edges. 600 Pages. Fully illustrated. Special, 
Exclusive Edition. Printed by Frederick J. Drake 
& Company expressly for Sears, Roebuck & Com¬ 
pany. The following four important works by Lead¬ 
ing Electrical Authorities, SWINGLE, HORST¬ 
MANN and TOUSLEY are contained in this one 
volume. 

MODERN ELECTRICAL CONSTRUCTION. Re¬ 
tail value $1.50. 

MODERN WIRING DIAGRAMS AND DESCRIP¬ 
TIONS. Retail value $1.50. 

ELECTRICAL WIRING AND CONSTRUCTION 
TABLES. Retail value $1.50. 

DYNAMO TENDING FOR ENGINEERS. Retail 
value $1.50. 

Making the full retail value >f the STANDARD 
AMERICAN ELECTRICIAN $6.00 

THIS COMPLETE AND AUTHORITATIVE WORK IN¬ 
CLUDES ELECTRICAL CONSTRUCTION, WIRING, DIA¬ 
GRAMS AND DESCRIPTIONS, ELECTRICAL WIRING 
CONSTRUCTION TABLES, DYNAMO TENDING FOR EN¬ 
GINEERS, and is PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED. 

No. 3R9230 STANDARD AMERICAN ELECTRI¬ 
CIAN. 

OUR SPECIAL PRICE $2.68. 

If by mail, postage extra, 20 cents. 


SEARS, ROEBUCK & COMPANY, 
Chicago, Ill. 











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